Response to Governor Shapiro’s 2026-2027 Budget Address
On Tuesday February 3rd, Governor Shapiro addressed the urgent need to increase housing across the Commonwealth.
If you or someone you know is looking to buy a home today, you know that housing is too unaffordable and it is almost impossible to find an affordable starter home or downsize to a townhouse in the place that you want to live. Outdated zoning and overly complex approval processes have created a mismatch of home types in communities across Pennsylvania.
We can change land use laws to allow more homes of all shapes and sizes that people can afford, from accessory dwelling units to duplexes to townhomes and apartments. It's time for the state to cut red tape, set state zoning standards, and incentivize development where it makes sense so that our citizens and our communities can thrive.
In the last month, legislators from both sides of the aisle have introduced bills and co-sponsorship memos that align with the goal of building more housing, cutting red tape and making Pennsylvania more affordable. Bills to allow more accessory dwelling units by right have sparked up in both chambers. Read more about the house bills and senate memos.
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania co-chairs the PA Housing Choices Coalition, a statewide partnership of 50 organizations with shared values on housing solutions. We believe in expanding housing choices for all Pennsylvanians through balanced, bipartisan policy change. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or wanting to age in place, everyone deserves a home that is safe and affordable, connects them to jobs and community, and meets their needs. Allowing more home choices gives people opportunities and economic stability.
We look forward to working with legislators on both sides of the aisle and the Governor to tackle the housing shortage.
See the whole budget address here.
About the Organizations
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is the statewide bipartisan advocate for responsible and efficient land use and partner for great places to live and work. We work with citizens, organizations, and public officials to create land use, infrastructure, development, and governance policies and projects that strengthen our economy, protect our resources, save money, and build healthy, vibrant and resilient communities for all.
The PA Housing Choices Coalition is a statewide, nonpartisan alliance of organizations committed to one goal: expanding housing choices for all Pennsylvanians through smart, bipartisan policy. Co-chaired by 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, the coalition includes homebuilders, business leaders, economic experts, and more.
Press contact: Nicole Brunet, Program Director
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania
nbrunet@10000friends.org | 267-225-1362