Allentown releases plan to address local housing crisis

With Allentown and the Lehigh Valley as a whole facing a crisis in housing accessibility and affordability, Mayor Matt Tuerk has released a plan to address the issues. 

“Welcome Home: City of Allentown Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan” is an initiative to address the city’s housing challenges and ensure long-term affordability for its residents.  

The plan was developed using data and insights from the city’s 2023-2024 Housing Study. 

“Housing is the foundation of a strong and vibrant community. The Welcome Home plan is our commitment to ensuring that every resident, from young families to seniors, has access to safe, affordable, and quality housing,” said Tuerk. “Together, we are building a future where Allentown remains a place where everyone can thrive.” 

The goal of the Welcome Home housing plan is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities and preserve the affordability of the existing housing stock in the city. 

Among the plans presented is the revision of zoning codes through ZONE Allentown to encourage diverse housing options, introduce affordable housing incentives, and support new opportunities for mixed-use multi-family development. 

The plan also seeks to update permitting and code enforcement practices to streamline code enforcement, rental registration, and inspections, Tuerk said. 

 Additionally, simplified permitting will boost housing development and align with Allentown’s housing goals. 

The city said it will seek to secure additional funding through grants, new revenue sources, reallocating existing fees and will strategically acquire properties to support new construction and rehabilitation projects. 

Other initiatives include launching housing programs to incentivize private and non-profit development, including grants, loans, and access to city-controlled properties.  

Tuerk said there are an estimated 1,800 unoccupied homes and 1,000 vacant lots in the city, which provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and infill development. 

Allentown officials will collaborate with regional leaders and stakeholders to create a workforce housing plan tied to transportation and job centers. 

The plan also sites the need to regionally address homelessness, and jointly advocate for state and federal policy changes. 

The plan focuses on actionable strategies that the city can implement using its available resources and authority, including zoning updates, securing funding, acquiring, and transferring properties, and incentivizing the private and nonprofit sectors to build and preserve affordable housing.