CHESTER, PA — Rising home prices and limited housing supply are prompting Pennsylvania lawmakers to explore new policies aimed at making housing more affordable and supporting economic growth.
What This Means for You
- Rising Costs Under Scrutiny: Lawmakers are examining ways to address increasing home prices and rental costs.
- Potential Policy Changes: A new statewide housing plan could expand supply and reduce development barriers.
- Local Impact: Communities facing aging housing and poverty may see targeted investment and support.
The House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing Monday at Widener University to examine the state’s housing challenges and their impact on residents and local economies.
Lawmakers and local officials said housing affordability is increasingly affecting whether people can remain in their communities and whether businesses can attract and retain workers.
Housing Costs Outpacing Supply
Data presented at the hearing showed the median home price in Delaware County has climbed to about $300,000, reflecting a steady increase in recent years.
Officials said the housing shortage is driven in part by construction that has not kept pace with demand, as well as an aging housing stock—older homes that are more expensive to maintain and repair.
“Whether you’re young or old, renting or buying, housing is a challenge that many people will face in their lifetime,” said Rep. Carol Kazeem, who hosted the hearing. “Without a strong housing market, businesses can’t grow, workers can’t stay, and communities can’t thrive.”
Statewide Housing Plan Takes Shape
State officials highlighted a newly released Housing Action Plan, which outlines five goals aimed at addressing affordability and supply issues.
The plan includes efforts to build and preserve more homes, expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, improve long-term housing stability, reduce regulatory barriers to development, and strengthen coordination among agencies.
“Housing policy is about people – about the opportunities that Pennsylvanians have to build the life they want,” said Morgan Boyd, a state economic development official. “This plan works to expand those opportunities.”
Local Challenges in Chester and Surrounding Areas
Testimony from local leaders highlighted the connection between housing conditions and economic development.
In Trainer Borough, officials said nearly one in four residents lives below the poverty line, and property values lag behind nearby communities.
In the City of Chester, advocates pointed to aging housing infrastructure, noting that older homes are becoming increasingly costly to maintain, placing additional strain on homeowners.
Officials said deteriorating housing conditions can discourage investment, reduce property values, and make it harder for communities to attract residents and businesses.
Broader Economic Concerns
Lawmakers said addressing housing affordability is key to long-term economic stability.
“Too many Pennsylvanians are being priced out of their own communities,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro. “Attainable housing isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of a strong, stable community.”
Next Steps
The hearing marks part of an ongoing effort by lawmakers to evaluate potential policy solutions, with testimony from housing advocates, local officials, and labor representatives expected to inform future legislation.
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