PA unveils first-ever Housing Action Plan
Pennsylvania has released its first comprehensive, data-driven Housing Action Plan, a statewide roadmap developed to boost housing supply, improve affordability and stabilize housing outcomes across urban, suburban and rural communities. The plan calls for building 450,000 new units by 2035 to close a projected shortfall of nearly 185,000 homes if construction rates are not increased, addresses rising costs that burden more than 1 million households, and targets the aging housing stock, with more than half of homes in the commonwealth over 50 years old. Shaped by nearly 2,500 survey responses and extensive regional input, the strategy centers on five goals: expanding housing production and preservation, broadening access for underserved populations, preventing evictions and homelessness, modernizing development regulations to cut costs and delays, and improving coordination and data sharing across state and local agencies.
Source: PA DCED; 2/2026

NAR opposes fair housing rollback
On Feb. 13, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on its proposed rule, “HUD’s Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard.” The proposed rule would eliminate HUD’s current rule providing guidance for HUD’s implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision in Texas Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs  v. Inclusive Communities Project Inc., 576 U.S. 519 (2015). In that case, the Supreme Court held that disparate impact liability was cognizable under the Fair Housing Act. NAR argued in its comment that disparate impact liability under the Fair Housing Act is settled law, and that HUD should continue to use this legal doctrine to protect property rights, particularly when discriminatory local government policy limits the use of real estate.
Source: NAR; 2/17/2026

Property assessments in some counties not updated for decades
More than a third of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties still rely on property tax assessments from 1999 or earlier. Pennsylvania is the only state that does not require regular countywide reassessments every few years, something that leaves about 40% of residents being taxed on outdated data. Officials and experts say these antiquated assessments create significant tax inequities, often shifting a heavier burden onto newer homeowners while longtime owners benefit from artificially low tax bills. While 14 counties have reassessed since 2020 or are in progress, many others cite high costs — millions of dollars per county — as a deterrent. Groups including the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania have called for more frequent reassessments, state funding support and modernized standards, warning that outdated values distort housing prices, create market uncertainty, and undermine fair taxation across municipalities and school districts. In the region, Philadelphia County had the most recent reassessment in 2023, followed by Delaware County in 2021, Chester and Montgomery counties in 1998, and Bucks County last reassessing in 1972.
Source: Hanover Evening Sun; 2/12/2026

Pair of bills supporting local journalism, civic reform advance
Pennsylvania’s House Committee on Communications and Technology has advanced two bills introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb (D-200). HB 2047 would fund a statewide journalism fellowship placing reporters in local newsrooms, and HB 2048 would create a civic information consortium investing in coverage of local government, schools, public safety and other core issues that directly affect Pennsylvanians’ daily lives. The move comes amid a broader crisis of shrinking local news outlets and staffing cuts. The bills are backed by advocacy groups as well as journalism organizations that say the measures would strengthen accountability, representation and access to reliable information. The proposal draws on models spearheaded by Free Press Action illustrating how targeted public-interest funding can stabilize local media ecosystems.
Source: Gettysburg Connection; 2/4/2026

PA House committee hopes to limit exceptions to Sunshine Act notice requirements
Pennsylvania’s House Local Government Committee has unanimously advanced House Bill 2146, sponsored by Rep. Brett Miller (R-41) and Committee Chair Rep. Robert Freeman (D-136). The bill responds to a 4–3 Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that allowed public agencies to take official action on items not listed on meeting agendas if approved by a majority — a decision critics said could undermine transparency. HB 2146 would limit such no-notice actions to true emergencies involving danger to life or property or minor last-minute matters. It would require agencies to publicly explain and vote to add items to an agenda, while allowing certain administrative or time-sensitive actions — such as small emergency purchases, grant paperwork, or personnel matters — under defined conditions. Lawmakers said the goal is to close a loophole and reinforce open, transparent government.
Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star; 2/4/2026 

SEPTA seeks input on redevelopment around Langhorne Regional Rail Station
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is seeking public input on a proposed redevelopment of the area around the Langhorne Regional Rail station. The proposal would replace an underused, 1.7-acre parking lot with mixed-use housing and retail as part of its Transit-Oriented Communities program, an effort already underway in Ambler, Conshohocken and Germantown to boost ridership, walkability and local economies. Officials say the Langhorne Station Area Concept could help meet strong housing demand in Bucks County and aligns with many of the long-term development priorities outlined in surrounding communities. The station is uniquely positioned on a narrow strip of Middletown Township property that separates Langhorne Manor Borough to the north from Penndel Borough to the south. SEPTA planning manager Jennifer Dougherty said residents will play a key role in shaping the plan’s design and priorities, so SEPTA has scheduled an open house for Monday, March 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Penndel Borough Hall, 300 Bellevue Ave.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 2/18/2026

Standoff over cost of fire services continues in Newtown
Negotiations between Newtown Township and Newtown Borough over fire service funding remain stalled, leaving the borough without nonemergency coverage as officials debate payment terms and communication breakdowns. At a Feb. 11 Newtown Township meeting, Supervisors Chair Ed Merriman said discussions are ongoing but unresolved, while Supervisor Elen Snyder criticized the lapse in a contract, noting talks once centered on $275,000 before the township raised expectations to $350,000, which she suggested hindered progress. Snyder urged restarting negotiations from the lower figure and called for transparency, whereas Merriman said more information is needed before public debate. No vote was taken.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/16/2026

Centennial early numbers show $7M deficit
Centennial School District has begun drafting its 2026-2027 budget with an early projected deficit of just over $7 million, according to a preliminary plan presented by chief financial officer Tom Greenwood. According to Greenwood, the figures are an initial step required under state timelines and assume a 3.5% property tax increase, which could change. The draft estimates about $154.1 million in revenue versus $161.2 million in expenses, with financial pressure driven by largely flat state funding, stagnant federal aid, declining investment income, rising labor and healthcare costs, and limited local revenue growth. Officials said the district will work in coming months to close the gap by reviewing staffing, programs, contracts and other strategies before a final budget is adopted by June 30. Follow along with budget development on the Centennial School District website.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/12/2026

Hilltown gives preliminary approval to 55-plus community
Hallmark Homes has received preliminary approval from supervisors in Hilltown Township to build a 55-plus residential community consisting of 73 age-restricted townhouses, 11 single-family homes with no age limits, and a clubhouse on nearly 43 acres off Swartley Road near Route 309. The project must still secure final approval and resolve details, such as infrastructure contributions and site planning. Officials also determined that, because the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would not support installing a traffic signal at the nearby intersection, peak-hour no-left-turn signs will be used instead. The site has drawn prior development interest, including a withdrawn proposal by Lennar Construction for a larger age-restricted complex, but unlike that plan, Hallmark’s project does not require a zoning change and will return to the board for a final vote before construction can begin.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 2/12/2026

Telford approves resolution to establish property maintenance fees
Telford Borough Council recently approved a resolution allowing officials to clear snow and ice from sidewalks at noncompliant properties and charge property owners for the costs incurred. The resolution was prompted by about 17 violations after a January storm. Borough secretary Bryan Poster suggested the fee be added to the 2026 fee schedule by amendment rather than waiting until next year. Council also adopted changes to Civil Service Commission rules to improve police recruitment, and expanded and renamed the Telford Borough Authority as the Telford Regional Authority with added stormwater responsibilities and a 50-year extension.
Source: The Reporter; 2/17/2026 

Parkesburg to consider contractor licensing ordinance
Parkesburg Borough Council will consider adopting a new Contractor Licensing Ordinance aimed at establishing a formal licensing process to ensure only qualified and responsible contractors operate within the borough, with provisions covering application requirements, fees, insurance, enforcement authority, exemptions, penalties, and procedures for denial, suspension, revocation and appeals. The ordinance would take effect immediately upon adoption and repeal any conflicting regulations. The public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Parkesburg Municipal Building, 315 W. First Ave.
Source: Daily Local; 2/12/2026

Kennett Consolidated SD eyes large tax increase
Kennett Consolidated School Board Treasurer Mike Finnegan announced that the school district is looking at a possible tax increase that exceeds the state limit. In Pennsylvania, if a school district wants to increase its annual tax rate beyond the Act 1 Index limit for that fiscal year, the board must either request — and be granted — relief based on special education spending or put the request on a ballot for the voters to decide via a referendum. Finnegan said the district is currently looking at a 4.17% tax increase for the 2026-2027 school year. The average tax bill for the median Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) property owner would be $5,000. Finnegan said there are still some unknown variables to the spending plan that might offer a chance to reduce expenditures or boost revenues, such as how much state funding the district will receive once a state budget is approved, a reduction in basic education costs, special education allocations, federal allocations, and the state of facilities and technology.
Source: Chester County Press; 2/11/2026

Parking issues continue in Oxford Borough
Parking remained a central issue for Oxford Borough Council at its Feb. 2 meeting, where officials debated the recent decision to eliminate free Sunday parking in the borough garage, prompting appeals from Oxford Presbyterian Church leaders and residents who argued that paid parking could deter worshippers and seniors, while others said taxpayers should not subsidize parking for drivers. Council ultimately agreed to form a parking committee to review the policy as it considers amending the ordinance. Council advanced other business, including approving grants for improvements at Oxford Memorial Park, moving forward with the Niblock Alley project, and approving several planning and infrastructure measures.
Source: Chester County Press; 2/11/2026

Historic bridge will be rehabbed to extend Chester Valley Trail
A project to expand the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) and repair the historic Downingtown Trestle Bridge, which has spent decades largely untouched, will kick off soon. The project is part of a larger effort to lengthen the CVT, a 19-mile rail trail that runs through Chester and Montgomery counties, from Exton to Atglen. “The bridge is a really key part of it, because it’s multimodal,” said George Martynick, director of Chester County’s facilities and parks department. “Without that bridge, I really don’t know what we’d do with this project. It is the keystone of that project.” Design is slated to begin in the next year, and the rehabilitation and extension should be completed in five to seven years, he said. The bridge stretches 1,450 feet long and more than 130 feet high over the east branch of Brandywine Creek.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/18/2026