Pennsylvania’s housing crisis deepens as supply lags demand, prompting Gov. Shapiro to propose zoning reforms to boost housing, but legislative gridlock hinders progress.

Pennsylvania’s housing crisis worsens as supply grows slower than population, fueling rising rents, homelessness, and unaffordable homeownership, especially in high-demand areas. Gov. Josh Shapiro is set to unveil a housing plan aimed at expanding supply by reforming restrictive zoning laws near transit and commercial zones, following months of outreach and analysis of nearly 2,500 public comments. Despite bipartisan recognition of the crisis and some progress on rent and tax rebates, major legislation has stalled due to political opposition. Shapiro’s proposed $50 million home repair program was not funded, and lasting change may depend on legislative action, with Republican Senate leaders proposing zoning reforms and incentives for local development.