Our Policy Agenda

Each year the Housing Alliance Board of Directors reviews and updates a broad policy agenda that directs the Housing Alliance's work.  The goal of the policy agenda is to ensure that the Housing Alliance's work reflects current community needs and political and economic realities, and that it effectively furthers our core mission: to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially those with low incomes, have access to safe, decent and affordable homes.

DRAFT Housing Alliance Policy Agenda

Proposed January 7, 2011

Goal: To reshape the housing market to better support communities and undergird the local economy

Objectives for invigorating the housing market that are revenue neutral:

• Increase the availability of developable land; reduce the number of blighted, vacant properties
  • Land banks, tax sale reform, clear title
  • New Tools workshops
• Address community opposition (NIMBYism)
  • Promote inclusionary housing zoning policies, programs, and practices
  • Offer training on HUD’s “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” requirement and enforcement
• Reduce the cost of housing development
  • Repeal of fire sprinkler provision
  • Address PA prevailing wage issue
• Ensure and increase efficiency in the use of state and federal housing dollars
  • Consolidate housing/homeless and community development functions/funding under PHFA (from DCED)
  • Promote collaboration, support coalition efforts to provide housing/services as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Support fair and balanced landlord tenant laws
• Help local communities adjust to changing market conditions
  • Increase FMRs in Shale Region
  • Make resources available/known to local providers
  • Coordinate/lead local housing strategy/increased investment and preservation

Objectives for invigorating the housing market that require investment:

• Research, propose proven investments in the housing market through Reshaping PA Housing Market publication
• Capitalize the state housing trust fund; expand and preserve state and federal funding for existing programs
• Allowing counties to increase fees for Act 137 funds

Click HERE for our lastest Legislative Update, provided by Policy Director, Cindy Daley