HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is accepting applications for its 2027 Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellowship, offering up to $12,000 in funding for research projects aimed at addressing housing and community development challenges across the state.
The fellowship is designed to support policy research while developing future leaders in housing, a sector facing growing pressure from affordability concerns, demographic shifts and supply constraints.
Selected fellows may receive up to 12 months of support through a $1,000 monthly stipend, which can be used for research-related activities such as consulting with subject-matter experts, obtaining materials, conducting fieldwork and attending conferences.
PHFA stated that the program seeks projects that can generate practical insights for policymakers, housing professionals and community development organizations.
“This fellowship is a springboard for bold ideas and fresh thinking,” PHFA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Robin Wiessmann said. “We’re thrilled to support those who are ready to explore a housing challenge that inspires them and advances affordable housing opportunities.”
The fellowship honors Kathy Possinger, an affordable housing advocate who spent two decades working in both public- and private-sector housing roles, including service as a designee on the PHFA board.
Since its creation, the program has funded research examining issues such as property tax burdens on older homeowners seeking to age in place, community land trusts, cooperative housing models and the relationship between zoning policies and racial disparities.
The agency noted that research produced through the fellowship is intended to be shared publicly, allowing policymakers and housing stakeholders to incorporate findings into future planning and policy discussions.
The fellowship is open to Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older, excluding PHFA employees and board members.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 31.
Additional information and application materials are available at https://www.phfa.org/about/fellowship/.
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