Shapiro EO addresses workforce housing, homelessness

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In an action to increase affordable housing, address homelessness, and make Pennsylvania more competitive, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order to create the commonwealth’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan. 

Executive Order 2024-03 addresses housing shortage, homelessness, and expands affordable housing options.  The EO directs the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) with leading the plan’s development, working with stakeholders to identify housing needs and devise a response. 

“To make Pennsylvania more competitive, we must cut costs, grow our workforce, and attract more people to live and work in the commonwealth,” Shapiro said in a statement. “A key challenge we face in attracting new residents is the lack of safe, affordable housing – which is why my administration is focused on delivering commonsense solutions to expand affordable housing and lower housing costs for Pennsylvanians. 

“We recognize that Pennsylvania faces unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to housing – that’s why we need a comprehensive, coordinated statewide housing plan. We’re taking action to build more homes in the communities that need them most, lower costs so families can afford to stay in their homes, repair aging houses, and make sure our seniors can live with dignity and comfort. We’re all in this together, and I’m committed to ensuring everyone has access to a place they can truly call home,” added Shapiro. 

Secretary Rick Siger said the DCED looks forward to working with colleagues inside and outside state government to create an action plan that will increase the supply of workforce housing, boost the supply of affordable housing, and provide support for people who are currently unhoused. 

“When we created the state’s economic development strategy last year, we heard from stakeholders across Pennsylvania about the urgent need to address our housing challenges in a comprehensive way,” said Siger. “The Housing Action Plan will provide a roadmap to increase Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness and complement our work to make the Commonwealth a top place to live, work, play, and innovate.” 

According to a release, the Housing Action Plan will be a data-driven statewide plan with recommendations for increasing housing supply and supporting the preservation of existing housing, including: 

• Assess and determine commonwealth-wide, regional, and local housing needs. 

• Identify goals with measurable outcomes, available resources, and other items DCED believes may be necessary for achieving the goals outlined in the Housing Action Plan. 

• Identify, review, and assess the effectiveness of housing programs and resources offered by Pennsylvania agencies. 

• Provide recommendations for state housing programs, investments, and policymaking initiatives, and leveraging best practices from the public and private sector to improve housing outcomes across Pennsylvania. 

• Recommend strategic planning initiatives that may be implemented over the next five years. 

The EO directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to develop recommendations on policies and best practices for addressing homelessness and supporting individuals in need by working with stakeholders, including the Governor’s Policy and Budget Offices, state agencies, local and federal governments, and community organizations. 

“Being able to access and afford safe, reliable housing is essential to a family’s health, stability, and prosperity,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “This interagency collaboration, along with county and local partners, will simplify navigating housing support systems, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and improve our housing stock. 

“Housing is inextricably linked to health outcomes, employability, and quality of life. Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order is a game changing opportunity to come together and invest in strengthening this critical infrastructure for our neighbors and our future,” said Arkoosh. 

House Majority Appropriations Chairman Representative Jordan Harris said developing a comprehensive Housing Action Plan can improve access to safe, affordable housing and tackle the root causes of homelessness. 

“This initiative is critical not only for the economic stability of Pennsylvania but also for the well-being of families and individuals throughout our state,” said Harris.