Federal Update: State of the Union & Housing Signals
During his address to Congress, Donald Trump referenced housing affordability and specifically called out investor purchasing of single-family homes. This acknowledgment reflects growing bipartisan concern about institutional buyers competing with families for starter homes, but the policy path forward remains unclear. Sen. Warren (D-MA) also introduced the American Homeownership Act, which would end tax deductions for private equity funds that purchase large portfolios of single-family homes.
The President did not outline specific regulatory proposals, tax reforms, or financing tools to address bulk purchasing. There was also no mention of first-time homebuyer protections, secondary mortgage market reforms, or new federal production incentives — all areas where Congress is currently debating bipartisan housing legislation.
Investor acquisition of single-family homes can reduce entry-level inventory and increase cash competition for households. Without clearly defined policy tools, it remains uncertain whether this rhetoric will translate into meaningful federal reform.
PCRG will continue monitoring federal developments and advocating for housing supply expansion, homeownership access, and community stability.
Read PCRG’s analysis of pending federal housing legislation.
Pennsylvania Update: Budget Priorities & Housing Action Plan
Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address and formally released Pennsylvania’s Statewide Housing Action Plan.
In his remarks, Shapiro framed housing as economic infrastructure tied directly to workforce participation and regional competitiveness. The proposal continues investments in housing production and preservation while emphasizing coordination across state agencies — a recurring challenge in prior housing initiatives
The Statewide Housing Action Plan aims to streamline housing policy and align programs statewide. A key structural change includes the creation of a Deputy Secretary–level housing coordination position within the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The plan also calls for regulatory modernization, cross-agency alignment, and data-driven housing needs assessments.
While the coordinated strategy represents a positive structural step, its impact will depend on recurring funding commitments, measurable production targets, and clear implementation timelines.
PCRG supports the alignment effort and continues to advocate for dedicated funding, accountability benchmarks, and strong community engagement standards.
Read PCRG’s statements on the budget and Housing Action Plan.
Allegheny County: Housing for All Executive Order
PCRG was proud to stand with housing advocates from across the county in early February when County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the Housing for All executive order, elevating housing affordability as a core county priority.
The Order directs departments to coordinate housing policy, identify publicly controlled land suitable for development, and align economic development strategy with housing production goals. It positions housing as essential infrastructure rather than a siloed social service.
Implementation will require sustained cross-department coordination, funding alignment, and measurable production outcomes. The order also establishes a housing investment fund designed to be leveraged alongside other public and private dollars.
City of Pittsburgh: Short-Term Rental Policy on Hold
The Pittsburgh City Council debated updates to short-term rental regulations affecting platforms such as Airbnb. The legislation sought to clarify business licensing requirements and address concerns about impacts on long-term housing supply.
After debate and stakeholder input, City Council voted to hold the legislation for several months, with further consideration expected after the NFL Draft.
The central policy questions remain unresolved, including the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, enforcement capacity, and the balance between tourism and neighborhood stability.
PCRG will continue to advocate for policies that protect long-term housing supply and prioritize residents over speculative conversion.