MONROEVILLE, PA — Pennsylvania economic development officials on Friday renewed calls for major housing and infrastructure investments, warning that the Commonwealth could face a shortage of roughly 185,000 homes by 2035 without additional action to expand housing supply.
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger highlighted the issue during a visit to Monroeville, where local officials are overseeing seven housing projects expected to add nearly 1,100 housing units. The appearance comes as Governor Josh Shapiro seeks legislative approval for housing initiatives included in his proposed 2026-27 budget.
The administration argues that housing affordability has become an economic development challenge as home prices continue to outpace wage growth and more than one million Pennsylvania households spend over 30% of their income on housing costs. State officials also note that more than half of Pennsylvania’s housing stock is over 50 years old, increasing maintenance and rehabilitation costs.
“Housing is not a standalone issue — it overlaps with people’s health and safety, growth of our economy, the strength of our workforce, and the stability and viability of our communities,” Siger said. “There’s real urgency here.”
Earlier this year, Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania’s first statewide Housing Action Plan, which calls for increasing housing supply, preserving existing housing stock, modernizing zoning and permitting practices, and reducing barriers to residential development.
The governor’s proposed budget includes a $1 billion investment through the Pennsylvania Program for Critical Infrastructure Investment, along with a $1 million Investments in Health pilot program aimed at expanding housing options and reducing homelessness. Additional proposals would streamline local planning and permitting processes and strengthen statewide housing coordination efforts.
Monroeville was selected to highlight local development activity tied to the state’s housing goals. According to the administration, seven projects that are completed, under construction, or preparing to break ground will collectively add nearly 1,100 housing units, including apartments, single-family homes, and housing for residents age 55 and older.
State Rep. Brandon Markosek, chairman of the House Housing and Community Development Committee, said he plans to continue working with the administration on legislation intended to address housing shortages across the Commonwealth. State Sen. Nick Pisciottano also cited the need to expand housing options and improve affordability to support economic growth and workforce retention.
Monroeville Mayor Dennis Biondo noted that the municipality recently updated its zoning ordinance to encourage additional mixed-use development and housing construction, adding that local officials continue to work with state and county partners to address housing demand.
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