Governor Shapiro Allocates $50M for Pennsylvania Housing Improvements

May 8, 2025 Last updated : May 8, 2025 Editorial Staff

The drive to revitalize Pennsylvania's housing infrastructure is gaining momentum with significant financial backing from the state government. Governor Josh Shapiro's administration is spearheading efforts to ensure safe and affordable living conditions for residents, as demonstrated by their recent budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Lancaster, PA

In a recent engagement in Lancaster, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger emphasized the Shapiro Administration's dedication to enhancing housing accessibility across Pennsylvania. The administration's approach involves practical solutions aimed at modernizing the state's housing landscape.

Central to Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal is the allocation of $50 million for a statewide housing repair fund. This initiative is designed to aid homeowners in making essential repairs to aging homes. Additionally, the proposal includes $10 million to assist first-time home buyers with closing costs and $1 million for the State Planning Board to support growth-oriented housing policies.

“The Shapiro Administration understands that we must address the long-standing affordable housing crisis to build resilient regions and open doors of opportunity for every Pennsylvanian,” stated Secretary Siger. “That’s why Governor Shapiro is building on his Executive Order from last year establishing our first ever Housing Action Plan by calling for critical investments in his proposed budget to tackle Pennsylvania’s housing challenges. We are committed to making real progress on affordable housing to get people into good homes, grow our economy, and lift up the entire Commonwealth.”

During a tour of the SoWe Pocket Park neighborhood, Secretary Siger and local officials witnessed firsthand the impact of home repair projects. With the proposed $50 million housing repair fund, more homes across the state are expected to benefit from similar upgrades.

Mayor Sorace of Lancaster noted, “Lancaster is home to thousands of historic houses that need ongoing care. By investing in our aging housing stock, we help residents, whether seniors or young families, remain safely and comfortably in their homes.” She emphasized that programs supporting essential home repairs are crucial to realizing the vision of quality housing for all residents.

Allen Treadway, Owner of Treadway Home Improvement, added, “I have been involved with home repair programs in Lancaster for 15 years. In my view, they’re vital to the City of Lancaster. These programs help resolve housing issues for homeowners with limited resources. I take personal satisfaction in finishing projects for the homeowners that genuinely appreciate programs like these!”

Enhancing housing affordability and accessibility remains a top priority for the Shapiro Administration. The Governor’s Executive Order from last September initiated the state’s first Housing Action Plan, drawing on extensive public feedback and collaboration with various stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive housing strategy.

The forthcoming final housing plan will detail specific actions, but the administration has already outlined immediate steps within the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal to address housing issues:

  • A $50 million investment to create a statewide housing repair fund, aiding homeowners with necessary repairs.

  • A $10 million allocation to assist first-time home buyers with closing costs, fostering homeownership and wealth accumulation.

  • Enhancement of the State Planning Board's capacity to assist communities in resolving permitting, zoning, and code issues.

  • Establishment of an Interagency Council on Homelessness to improve support for homeless individuals.

  • An additional $10 million for the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), aiming to reach $110 million by 2028, facilitating the construction of new homes and repair of existing ones.

  • Sealing eviction records for individuals not actually evicted to enhance housing security and access to opportunities.

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