Housing policy is evolving at the federal, state, and local levels. From Washington’s housing signals to Pennsylvania’s Housing Action Plan and new local initiatives in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, PCRG breaks down what these changes mean for housing supply, affordability, and community stability. 

Congress is advancing the most significant bipartisan housing reform in over a decade. Two major bills — the Housing for the 21st Century Act and the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act — aim to expand housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen homeownership opportunities nationwide. 

With the House bill passed and the Senate preparing for further action, these reforms could soon move to final negotiations.  

From federal funding uncertainty and proposed changes to fair housing enforcement to Pennsylvania’s upcoming budget and Pittsburgh’s movement on permitting and short-term rental rules, policy decisions at every level are shaping what’s possible for housing, transit, and community development. Even brief disruptions in Washington can have ripple effects for HUD programs, homelessness services, and local reinvestment efforts — while decisions made this month in Harrisburg and City Hall will influence affordability and access for years to come. 

Read the full policy update for a deeper look at what’s changing, what’s still unresolved, and where PCRG is advocating to protect communities and advance equitable development. 

Housing is more than an investment — it’s a foundation for stability and opportunity. As affordability worsens and investor ownership grows, this piece explores how housing decommodification can protect communities, reduce inequality, and ensure homes remain places to live, not just assets to trade. 

As Pittsburgh undergoes a mayoral transition, Mayor Corey O’Connor has begun naming leadership roles tied to economic development, housing, and community impact. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing bipartisan housing legislation to expand housing supply and modernize zoning statewide. With the Federal Reserve signaling caution on interest rate cuts, mortgage affordability and access to credit remain pressing issues for communities across Pennsylvania. 

In 2025, housing and community development policy faced major upheaval—from federal rollbacks affecting consumer protections and housing finance to state budget delays and local zoning debates. This policy recap outlines the most consequential federal, state, and Pittsburgh-area decisions shaping housing affordability, lending, and neighborhood stability, while highlighting key wins like zoning reforms, ADU legalization, and progress on the Pittsburgh Land Bank. Looking ahead to 2026, PCRG identifies emerging opportunities and priorities for advancing equitable, community-driven development across the region.

Get the latest on Pittsburgh’s RCO pause, City budget, PPS facilities vote, Pennsylvania’s new budget, and federal housing legislation — all in one policy update.

PCRG outlines key priorities for working with the incoming O’Connor administration, emphasizing responsible development, housing affordability, community-led planning, and continuity on neighborhood-focused initiatives. Learn how PCRG plans to collaborate with city leadership in 2025 to advance equitable growth and protect long-time residents.  

As Pittsburgh heads into the November 4 election, residents have the opportunity to shape leadership at the local and state levels. From the mayor’s office to City Council and key judicial races, your vote directly impacts housing, development, and neighborhood well-being.

From a vote to revisit the city‑wide inclusionary zoning plan to RCO reforms and a stalled state budget, Pittsburgh leaders face multiple structural decisions that will shape affordable housing, community development, and public services. With the federal government already shut down and mortgage rates climbing, the stakes for neighborhoods couldn’t be higher.

Pittsburgh City Council’s approval of a new taxing body agreement marks a breakthrough for the Pittsburgh Land Bank, enabling long-vacant properties to be transformed into affordable housing, green space, and other neighborhood assets. Yet this progress comes as state and federal budget stalemates put local schools, municipalities, and community programs at risk. Learn what’s at stake for Pittsburgh neighborhoods and how PCRG is pushing for accountable leadership and equitable investment. 

The 2024 American Community Survey (ACS) data is here. Released annually by the U.S. Census Bureau, the ACS provides critical insights into demographics, housing, income, education, and more. Policymakers, nonprofits, and community advocates rely on ACS data to allocate resources, design programs, and track neighborhood change. Discover how the ACS differs from the decennial census, what the latest release includes, and how you can access data for Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and beyond. 

Pittsburgh faces a growing affordable housing challenge. Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) requires developers to include affordable units in new housing projects, ensuring that as the city grows, families of all incomes can stay in their neighborhoods. Learn how IZ is expanding across Pittsburgh, why citywide policies are critical, and how residents can advocate for equitable, affordable housing. 

Pennsylvania is now in its third month without a finalized state budget, forcing local governments and schools to dip into reserves while transit agencies warn of service cuts. At the same time, Congress faces a looming federal government shutdown, raising concerns for housing, nutrition, and community development programs. With political battles over funding priorities, rising uncertainty at the Federal Reserve, and potential shifts in interest rates, the outcome will directly affect families, small businesses, and community stability across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Dave Brewton spent over four decades championing affordable housing and equitable development in Pittsburgh — raising millions, creating homes, and shaping policy alongside grassroots leaders and institutions like PCRG. His legacy lives on in the communities he helped preserve, the coalitions he strengthened, and the lives he transformed. 

Read our tribute to Dave Brewton and his lasting impact.

From stalled budgets in Harrisburg to federal rollbacks on key financial protections, this quarter brings major developments that could reshape housing and community investment efforts across the region. Get up to speed on local zoning changes, statewide funding for home repairs, and national bills that could make or break housing affordability.

PCRG’s July Policy Brief highlights key movement on housing preservation in Harrisburg, uncertainty around Pennsylvania’s delayed state budget, and what’s included (and missing) in the U.S. Senate’s sweeping tax package. From local wins to federal fights, see how policy is unfolding and how you can help push critical legislation forward. 

PCRG’s 2025 Policy Agenda is in full motion. From zoning reform wins to national advocacy for housing preservation and financial justice, we’re building power alongside our members and partners. Explore what we’ve accomplished so far, the fights ahead, and how you can stay involved in shaping a more equitable region. 

Homeownership remains key to building wealth as housing costs climb, but access is growing harder, especially for first-time and historically excluded buyers. This Homeownership Month, PCRG spotlights federal, local, and banking solutions working to close the gap.

As federal budget debates begin and state legislation gains steam, Pittsburgh faces critical turning points—from housing preservation efforts to transit funding gaps and mayoral transitions. PCRG unpacks the policies shaping our region and highlights how advocates can make an impact this summer.