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.
Read morePCRG Connect: State and Federal Budget Gridlocks Raise Stakes for Local Services
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.
Read moreRemembering Dave Brewton: A Champion of Affordable Housing and PCRG Ally
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.
Read morePCRG Connect: Budget Gaps, Housing Wins, and Federal Reversals
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.
Read morePCRG Connect: July Policy Brief
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.
Read moreMid-Year policy and Advocacy Update: Advancing the 2025 PCRG Policy Agenda
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.
Read moreHomeownership Month Highlights Push for Affordability, Equity and Federal Reform
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.
Read morePCRG Connect: June Policy Brief
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.
Read moreNeighborWorks Under Threat
A vital force behind affordable housing and community development is at risk. NeighborWorks America — founded on the legacy of Pittsburgh’s own Dorothy Mae Richardson — faces potential funding cuts that could threaten programs right here in Western PA.
Click to learn what’s at stake and necessary steps to protect the future of safe, stable, and affordable housing in our communities.
Read morePCRG Connect: May Policy Brief
Major federal tax decisions, a looming PRT funding crisis, and high-stakes local elections are all converging this spring. Find out what policies could impact affordable housing, transit access, and neighborhood investment — and how you can take action before key deadlines.
Read morePost-Pandemic Transit: Recovery, Gaps, and the Road Ahead
From shifting ridership to looming funding gaps and workforce shortages, Pittsburgh’s transit future hangs in the balance. Learn how regional agencies are adapting post-pandemic — and what it means for riders who rely on the system most.
PCRG Connect: April Policy Brief
Major policy shifts are shaping affordable housing, public transit, and community investment. From federal tax credits to state transit funding shortfalls, PCRG breaks down what you need to know — and how these changes could impact your community. Read more, stay informed and take action with us!
Read moreA Week of Advocacy: Advancing Housing and Economic Opportunity in Harrisburg and Washington D.C.
PCRG is leading the charge for housing and economic justice! From supporting the launch of a bipartisan Housing Caucus in Harrisburg to advocating for crucial federal policies in Washington, D.C., we’re working to expand affordable housing, protect community investments, and drive economic growth in underserved areas. Read how our advocacy efforts are shaping a more equitable future for Pennsylvania.
Read moreMillennial Homeownership: A Generation Facing Unique Challenges
Discover the challenges millennials — 28- to 43-year-olds — face in homeownership, from wealth gaps and rising mortgage debt to affordability barriers. Explore key trends, structural obstacles, and potential solutions driving millennial homeownership in today’s market.
Read moreClosing the Appraisal Gap: How NHIA Can Revitalize Disinvested Communities






PCRG recently spent a day on Capitol Hill advocating for the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA), a bipartisan bill aimed at closing the appraisal gap and revitalizing disinvested communities. Learn how this legislation can expand access to affordable homeownership and drive economic growth.
Read moreNavigating Policy Changes: Key Federal, State, and Local Actions Impacting Housing and Economic Development
Stay informed on the latest federal, state, and local policy developments impacting housing, economic development, and consumer protections. From executive orders and budget proposals to housing advocacy and community initiatives, this update covers key legislative actions, funding shifts, and policy debates shaping our communities. Learn how PCRG and its partners are working to promote sustainable homeownership, protect critical funding, and support equitable development.
Read morePCRG Connect: February Policy Brief
Big policy shifts are happening in Pittsburgh and beyond! This month, we break down the Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) Zoning Amendments advancing to City Council, a major win for equitable development. Plus, we cover the defeat of Councilman Charland’s Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) bill, which fell short due to concerns over feasibility and cost. On the state level, we explore how Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal could shape housing policy in Pennsylvania. And at the federal level, we’re tracking key housing decisions that could impact our communities.
Read moreIntroducing PCRG’s 2025 Policy Agenda: Building on Momentum, Protecting Core Values
As we kick off 2025, PCRG is doubling down on our commitment to equity in housing, financial access, and community investment. Our policy agenda builds on last year’s momentum while protecting the core values that drive our work.
Read moreBuilding Momentum: PCRG’s 2024 Wins and 2025 Vision for Inclusive Communities
From doubling the NAP tax credit funding to advocating for stronger federal housing policies and exposing disparities in Black homeownership, PCRG has championed transformative change in 2024. As we look ahead to 2025, discover how these milestones shape the future of equitable communities and the challenges that inspire us to push further. See the highlights and what’s to come!
Read morePCRG Connect: January Policy Brief
Pittsburgh's zoning plans, including the Gainey Administration's transit-oriented development and citywide inclusionary zoning proposals, have been delayed until January 2025 following community feedback. Councilman Bob Charland's alternative zoning proposal has also sparked debate. Meanwhile, Congress passed a continuing resolution to avoid a federal government shutdown, ensuring stability for critical services, and we honor the legacy of President Jimmy Carter’s contributions to community development. Stay informed on these important developments and their impact on housing, government funding, and more — click to read further!
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