21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Clears Congress
Congress has passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), the most significant bipartisan housing legislation in decades, passing the Senate 85-5 and the House 358-32. If enacted, the legislation would expand federal investments in housing production, neighborhood revitalization, and home repair while modernizing several federal housing programs. The legislation includes several priorities long championed by PCRG, including:
Creating a federal Whole-Home Repairs program modeled after Pennsylvania's nationally recognized initiative, which helps homeowners address critical health and safety repairs that allow them to remain in their homes.
Expanding banks’ Public Welfare Investment (PWI) authority, making it easier for financial institutions to invest in affordable housing, community facilities, and neighborhood revitalization projects.
Modernizing federal housing programs to support the production and preservation of affordable housing nationwide.
The bill is currently awaiting presidential action following a delay tied to unrelated federal legislation. However, under the U.S. Constitution, if the President neither signs nor vetoes the bill within 10 consecutive days (excluding Sundays) while Congress remains in session, it automatically becomes law.
PCRG will continue monitoring the bill's status and implementation to keep you informed about what these changes could mean for Pennsylvania communities.
Supreme Court Rejects Effort to Remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an effort by the Trump Administration to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook before the end of her term, reinforcing longstanding legal protections for the independence of the Federal Reserve.
An independent Federal Reserve plays a critical role in maintaining stable financial markets and setting monetary policy that influences interest rates, mortgage lending, and access to capital. Those decisions affect the cost of buying a home, financing affordable housing developments, and supporting community investment projects across the country.
Although the ruling does not affect future interest rate decisions, it reinforces the legal independence of the institution responsible for setting U.S. monetary policy.
State Budget Talks Continue Beyond Deadline
Pennsylvania lawmakers are once again expected to miss the constitutionally required June 30 deadline for adopting the state budget. While negotiations are expected to continue into July, leaders have indicated the delay may be shorter than in recent years.
The budget remains especially important for housing and community development because it determines funding levels for programs that support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and local governments.
Budget discussions have also taken on added significance following the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's recent ruling that skill games are subject to the state's gambling laws while giving lawmakers a limited window to establish a regulatory framework. The decision has intensified debate over how future revenues could be invested, with housing and community development advocates continuing to encourage dedicated funding for affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and programs that strengthen communities across the Commonwealth.
PCRG will continue monitoring budget negotiations and advocating for sustained investments in housing, community development, and equitable economic opportunity.
Housing Legislation Continues to Advance in Harrisburg
Housing remains a bipartisan priority in Harrisburg, with lawmakers continuing to consider legislation aimed at expanding housing options across Pennsylvania.
Among the proposals are bills that would:
Authorize Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) statewide, allowing homeowners to create small secondary homes — like backyard cottages or in-law suites — to increase housing options.
Advance the so-called "Golden Girls" legislation, making it easier for unrelated older adults to share housing and reduce living costs while aging in place.
While these measures remain under consideration, they reflect growing bipartisan recognition that Pennsylvania needs a broader range of housing options to address affordability challenges, increase housing supply, and support older adults who wish to remain in their communities.
Want to stay informed? Follow the PCRG Legislative Tracker for the latest updates on state and federal legislation affecting housing, community development, banking, and neighborhood investment.
PCRG will continue advocating for policies that responsibly expand housing opportunities while ensuring development meets the needs of communities across the Commonwealth.
Downtown TRID Proposal Advances to City Council
The City of Pittsburgh is advancing a proposal to establish a Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) to help finance infrastructure improvements in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The proposal would capture a portion of future growth in property tax revenues from a district extending beyond Downtown to include portions of the North Side and Strip District. However, revenues generated through the TRID would be invested exclusively in infrastructure improvements within Downtown.
Supporters argue the proposal will provide a dedicated funding source for infrastructure needed to support continued economic growth and redevelopment. Others have raised questions about the size of the district, how revenues would be distributed, and the potential long-term impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
Pittsburgh City Council is expected to consider the proposal in the coming weeks. PCRG will continue monitoring the legislation and provide updates to members and partners as the proposal moves through the legislative process.
New Report Calls for Comprehensive Allegheny County Property Reassessment
A new report from the Keystone Research Center argues that Allegheny County's long-running property assessment challenges require a comprehensive countywide reassessment rather than continued reliance on the current appeals-based system.
The report concludes that the existing approach has created inequities for taxpayers while increasing administrative costs and uncertainty for municipalities and school districts.
A fair, transparent, and predictable property assessment system is essential to supporting stable local government finances, equitable taxation and community investment.
As discussions continue, Allegheny County residents will have an opportunity to weigh in at a County Council public hearing on proposed legislation establishing regular property reassessments. The hearing will be held on July 20 at 5:00 p.m. at the Allegheny County Courthouse, with written comments accepted through July 27.
PCRG will continue monitoring conversations around property tax reform and advocating for a fair and equitable assessment system that protects longtime homeowners — particularly older adults and residents living on fixed incomes — while ensuring communities have the resources they need to thrive.