FEDERAL
Funding & the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
Congress has a lot of work to do before the September 30 federal funding deadline. While the House and Senate passed a short-term funding measure to avoid a government shutdown, both bodies are continuing negotiations on the full-year appropriations bills, including funding for HUD.
Beyond maintaining existing programs, advocates are also pushing Congress to provide funding for programs newly authorized through the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, stakeholders are already engaging appropriators to make sure these programs move from authorization to actual investment.
The coming months will be important in determining whether Congress provides the resources necessary to turn the law's new housing programs into meaningful investments in communities.
STATE
A Busy Finish to the Legislative Session
There are only a handful of legislative session days remaining this year, and several important issues remain unresolved. One of the biggest is how Pennsylvania will address the future of skill games following a state Supreme Court ruling that determined the devices fall under the state's gambling laws.
With limited time remaining in the legislative session, the issue — and the potential revenue implications for the state — will be one to watch closely.
ICYMI: There is also movement on two issues important to housing and community development. State Rep. Lyndsay Powell (D) is circulating a co-sponsor memo for legislation that would expand funding available through the PHARE program, while Sens. Gene Yaw (R) and Nick Miller (D) are seeking support for legislation that would further expand the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).
Neither effort is likely to make it across the finish line for this session, but that does not make the work any less important.
The remainder of the year can provide an opportunity to build support, identify legislative champions, and position both proposals for the next session.
LOCAL
Allegheny County Property Reassessment Ordered
Property taxes are likely to remain a major local issue following an Allegheny County court ruling requiring the county to conduct a countywide property reassessment. Under the order, the county must begin its first full reassessment since 2012 by mid-2027, with the results to be made public by 2032. The process will also be subject to court-appointed oversight.
The reassessment could produce significant changes in assessed values and, consequently, property tax burdens for some homeowners and property owners. County Executive Sara Innamorato has publicly indicated that the county will comply with the court's order.
The issue has gained attention at the state level. State Sen. Wayne Fontana and Rep. Emily Kinkead are among the legislator's pursuing legislation that would establish a statewide requirement for all 67 counties to conduct property reassessments.
Regardless of what happens with the statewide legislation, Allegheny County's reassessment could have significant implications for housing affordability, neighborhood stability, and how the local property tax burden is distributed. PCRG will continue monitoring the process and its potential impacts on communities across the region.