Regional advocates joined PCRG in Washington, D.C. to champion housing, community development, and federal investment priorities.
As part of the 2026 National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) Conference in Washington, D.C., PCRG led a delegation of member organizations and partners for Hill Day Advocacy — ensuring that the voices of communities across Southwestern Pennsylvania were heard on Capitol Hill.
This year’s delegation reflected a broad coalition of community development corporations (CDCs), statewide partners, advocacy groups, and mission-driven lenders. Delegates from Beaver Falls CDC, East Hills Consensus Group, the Hill District CDC, Homewood CDC, Hilltop Alliance, and Larimer Consensus Group joined stakeholder partners like the Housing Justice Table, statewide leaders including the PA Land Banking Network, and funding partners such as Community Growth Fund (CDFI). Together, they demonstrated the strength of a regional network committed to equitable community development.
Over the course of Hill Day, participants met with congressional offices representing districts across the region, as well as both Pennsylvania Senate offices. Meetings focused on advancing key federal policy priorities critical to neighborhood revitalization, housing access, and economic opportunity.
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Expanding Homeownership Opportunities
A central advocacy priority was expanding pathways to homeownership. Delegates urged support for the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, a proposed homeownership tax credit designed to stimulate development and rehabilitation of affordable homes in distressed communities. This tool would help close appraisal gaps and unlock investment in neighborhoods historically left behind.
Participants also thanked members for supporting the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and urged final passage so the bill can reach the President’s desk.
Strengthening Consumer Protection and Lending Access
Delegates raised concerns about gaps in financial regulation, including the need to close the “shadow banking” loophole. Ensuring non-bank financial institutions meet appropriate standards and account is essential to protecting consumers and maintaining housing market stability.
Participants also called for deployment of already-appropriated funding for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, along with sustained and increased future investment. CDFIs play a vital role in financing affordable housing, small businesses, and community facilities where traditional lending often falls short.
Protecting Federal Community Development Programs
PCRG and its partners voiced strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposed FY2027 HUD budget, which would eliminate critical programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships. These long-standing resources help local governments and nonprofit developers support affordable housing production, neighborhood revitalization, and deliver essential community services. Their loss would have devastating consequences for communities across Pennsylvania and nationwide. Supporting Land Banks and Neighborhood Revitalization
Delegates also highlighted the importance of land banks as tools to combat blight and return vacant properties to productive use. Across Pennsylvania, land banks are helping stabilize neighborhoods, expand affordable homeownership opportunities, and support long-term community planning.
Moving Forward Together
PCRG’s presence at Hill Day underscored the power of collective advocacy. By bringing together local practitioners, statewide leaders and financial partners, the delegation delivered unified message: federal policy decisions have real, tangible impacts on communities, and continued investment in housing and community development is essential.
Now back in Pittsburgh, PCRG remains committed to building on this momentum. We encourage our members and partners to stay engaged, share their stories, and take part in future advocacy opportunities. Together, we can keep community needs front and center in federal policymaking.