By Joe Picozzi
Pennsylvania’s housing shortage is no longer a distant concern—it is a present and growing crisis. In Philadelphia and communities across the Commonwealth, families are being priced out, young professionals are struggling to put down roots, and seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the strain of rising housing costs. At the same time, employers are finding it harder to attract and retain talent.
If we want to expand access to housing, we need to build more homes – but we must do it in a way that respects neighborhood character and gives communities a real voice in how that growth happens. More housing and neighborhood control are not competing ideas – they are how we move forward and responsibly increase the housing supply.
If we are serious about economic growth and maintaining a high quality of life, we must be equally serious about getting this balance right.
As a state senator representing Philadelphia, I hear regularly from constituents who are feeling the strain. Rent continues to rise. The dream of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for too many families looking for attainable housing. Meanwhile, outdated policies and bureaucratic hurdles continue to slow the construction of new homes. This is not a problem we can afford to ignore—and it is one we can solve with thoughtful, targeted action that increases the housing supply while preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods.
That is why my colleagues and I are advancing a comprehensive legislative package aimed at removing barriers to housing development while promoting smart, sustainable growth. These proposals are the result of extensive conversations with builders, local officials, and community stakeholders. Each bill addresses a specific obstacle; together, they form a coordinated strategy to build more homes, expand access to attainable housing, and strengthen our economy.
One proposal would create a Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Grant Program, focused on communities—particularly former industrial towns—that are working to rebuild. Too often, these areas succeed in attracting major employers but lack the housing necessary to support a growing workforce. REDD would provide targeted state grants to local governments partnering with developers to build housing near job centers.
In return, municipalities would commit to common sense reforms like modernizing zoning, streamlining permitting, and preparing sites for development. If we are bringing jobs to a region, we must also ensure there are homes for the people who fill them – while maintaining local input into how that growth takes shape.
Another measure tackles one of the most persistent complaints from builders: unpredictability. Even modest housing projects can face lengthy and inconsistent approval processes that drive up costs and delay construction. By establishing a system of preapproved housing plans—such as duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units—we can cut through red tape, reduce uncertainty, and accelerate the delivery of new housing without sacrificing quality or safety.
We are also proposing the creation of a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single, reliable point of contact for applicants navigating the permitting process. Too often, developers and homeowners alike encounter conflicting requirements and unnecessary delays across multiple agencies. A dedicated compliance officer would bring clarity, coordination, and accountability—ensuring that projects move forward efficiently while still meeting all regulatory standards.
In addition, we must make it financially viable to redevelop underused and blighted properties. Expanding targeted property tax abatements—such as allowing municipalities to offer up to 20-year abatements—would incentivize the conversion of vacant buildings and infill development in established neighborhoods. This approach not only adds much-needed housing but does so in a way that strengthens communities and curbs sprawl.
Finally, we are addressing regulatory costs that unnecessarily drive-up housing prices. Adjusting Pennsylvania’s NPDES permitting requirements to better align with federal standards, particularly for low-impact construction—would ease burdens on builders without compromising environmental protections. Sensible reform here can reduce costs and help more projects move from concept to completion.
None of these ideas alone will solve our housing shortage. But together, they represent a practical, balanced approach—one that builds more homes, respects local control, encourages private investment, and increases access to housing supply across our communities.
Housing is more than a policy issue. It is the foundation of opportunity. It determines whether a young family can stay in the neighborhood they love, whether a worker can live near their job, and whether a senior can afford to remain in their home and community.
Pennsylvania has always been a place where people come to build a better future. If we want that to remain true, we must act now to ensure more people can find attainable housing in the communities they call home.
Pennsylvania Senator Joe Picozzi represents the 5th District in the Great Northeast in the City of Philadelphia.