Realtors gather in Harrisburg to advocate for 3 key bills
On June 3, 275 Pennsylvania Realtors, including more than 60 members from the Bucks County Association of Realtors and Tri-County Suburban Realtors, attended more than 100 meetings with legislators at the Capitol in Harrisburg during the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors annual PA Realtor Day on the Hill. They advocated for three key bills related to homeownership and real estate in the commonwealth: SB 838 – Private Licensed School Act Amendment; HB 1095 – Sealing of Eviction Records; and SB 907 – Licensure of Home Inspectors. Read more about the bills and Day on the Hill at the PAR JustListed blog.
Source: PAR; 6/4/2026

PA sees increase in school tax revenue
A report released by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office shows Pennsylvania school districts collected more than $17.86 billion in property taxes during fiscal year 2024-2025, marking the largest increase in nearly a decade, with revenues rising by about $725 million over the prior year and projected to grow by another $600 million next year. Local property taxes provide more than 40% of school funding, but because revenue depends on local property values, wealthier districts have historically had an advantage, an inequity that led a court to rule the state’s school funding system unconstitutional and pushed the state to increase aid to underfunded districts. The report also highlighted several trends affecting school finances: $800 million in gambling revenue helped reduce school property taxes for homeowners, and that number will continue to grow; federal school aid has fallen more than 53% since COVID-era highs; and Philadelphia’s ongoing property reassessment efforts have significantly boosted local school tax revenue, contributing to the statewide increase.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/30/2026

PA’s hands-free driving law penalty to rise
Pennsylvania's hands-free law, known as Paul Miller's Law, went into effect on June 5, 2025. The law bans drivers from holding or physically supporting a mobile device while driving, including while stopped at traffic lights. For the first year, violations resulted in a written warning, but as of June 5, 2026, the penalty rises to a $50 fine plus court costs. A separate texting-while-driving ban, already in effect, carries the same $50 fine and prohibits composing or reading any text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion. Both laws allow exceptions for hands-free use, GPS devices, vehicle-integrated systems and emergency calls to law enforcement. Beyond phones, Pennsylvania also cautions drivers against other common distractions, such as eating, adjusting the radio and interacting with passengers.
Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

New data from PA show sectors where workforce shortages may happen
Pennsylvania is projected to face significant workforce shortages across the state over the next decade, with the most pressing gaps in healthcare and education. The commonwealth is expected to fall short by more than 39,000 credentialed healthcare and human services workers, nearly 19,000 education workers, and roughly 19,000 management and entrepreneurship professionals. Notably, about 23,000 of the healthcare positions require only undergraduate certificates rather than four-year degrees, pointing to an opportunity for community colleges and vocational programs to help close the gap. The findings come from a new online dashboard launched May 20 by the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education, which for the first time compiles postsecondary enrollment trends, graduation rates, education costs and workforce demand data in one place.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/22/2026

CBO reports over 500K Pennsylvanians will lose health care in December
A new Congressional Budget Office report projects that up to 600,000 Pennsylvanians could lose Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage by December under the Trump administration's reconciliation bill, costing the state tens of billions of dollars. Already, 145,000 Pennsylvanians have dropped coverage as premiums have skyrocketed by as much as 485% in some communities following cuts to Medicaid and the elimination of enhanced health care tax credits. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D, PA-2) warned that the cuts — part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act signed in July 2025 — will drive up costs for all Americans, not just those on public programs, as hospitals and private insurers absorb the lost funding. Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick defended the bill, arguing it targets fraud and waste in the Medicaid system while directing hundreds of millions in new federal dollars to rural health care infrastructure. A second reconciliation bill is now moving through Congress, though Boyle noted it contains no additional health care funding.
Source: Central Penn Business Journal; 5/29/2026

Philadelphia region's fastest-growing towns have 2 things in common
According to a Business Journal analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s city-level Vintage Population Estimates, the municipalities that saw the largest year-over-year increases in 2025 generally shared two key traits: relative affordability and an influx of new homes. Using 2020 to 2025 numbers, the fastest-growing towns and cities with populations over 5,000 in Southeastern Pennsylvania include:

• Kennett Square, 2025 population: 6,893, up 16% since 2020
• Bridgeport, population: 5,758, up 15% 
• Phoenixville, population: 20,356, up 10% 
• West Chester, population: 19,591, up 5% 
• Downingtown, population: 8,384, up 5% 
• Collegeville, population: 5,287, up 5% 
• Chester, population: 33,996, up 4% 

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 5/27/2026

Bucks County DA expands lawsuit against Dublin landlords
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has amended its civil lawsuit against brothers Richard and Ronald Goetter and their company R&R Enterprises over their condemned boarding house at 113 S. Main St. in Dublin Borough, adding four more former tenants to the case. The suit — the first time the DA has used Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law against a landlord — alleges the Goetters kept renting rooms while ignoring health and safety requirements and official repair orders for over a decade, with documented conditions including no functioning heat since 2013, only one working bathroom with black mold and sewage odor, bedbug and rodent infestations, a single smoke detector, and a dangerous porch held up by broomsticks, cardboard and a rock. Of the nine tenants represented, at least three are 60 or older, one is an amputee, and two are a mother and child. The DA is seeking a permanent injunction, restitution and civil penalties of up to $3,000 per violation. Former tenants can report their experiences to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office at 215-348-6344.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 6/2/2026 

Central Bucks adopts budget with 5.7% tax hike
The Central Bucks School Board has approved a $460.4 million budget for 2026-2027 with a 5.7% property tax increase, adding roughly $344 to the average homeowner's tax bill. The increase marks the sixth consecutive year taxes have risen. The hike exceeds Pennsylvania's Act 1 limit of 3.5%, with the district citing rising special education costs as justification for the exception, the same reason used last year. Overall expenses are projected to climb $31 million, driven by grade realignment, full-day kindergarten, salaries and benefits, and transportation. Since March, the district has trimmed its deficit from $22.3 million to $19.4 million through salary and benefit reductions, though a multimillion-dollar elementary school renovation project remains on pause.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 5/31/2026

Bristol Township School Board eyes 4.6% tax increase
The Bristol Township School Board is considering a $179 million budget for 2026-2027 that includes a 4.6% property tax increase, costing the average homeowner about $196 more per year. Despite rising healthcare, energy and special education costs, the budget is actually $2 million less than the current year, a reduction achieved by eliminating 26 positions via attrition and retirements, cutting spending on facilities, technology and equipment, and foregoing new vehicle purchases. The district also plans to sell Roosevelt Elementary School for nearly $6 million and bring some students back from outside programs to reduce special education costs. All existing educational programs, sports and clubs will remain except boys lacrosse, which was already folding due to low interest. A final budget vote is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24.
Source: LevittownNow; 6/1/2026

Bensalem Township School District struggles with deficit
Bensalem Township School District officials are working to close a $12 million deficit as the school board moves toward finalizing its 2026-2027 budget. The school board passed a preliminary budget that includes $3 million in bond restructuring, $6 million in personnel and budget cuts, and a 4.2% tax increase — the maximum allowed without exceptions under state law — but a $2.5 million gap still remains. Board members are divided on how to close it, with some hesitant to draw heavily from the fund balance and others worried the district can't absorb more cuts. The district has already eliminated 31 positions, including teachers, counselors, librarians and administrators, and is exploring other savings, such as potentially closing or renting out the high school pool, reviewing software contracts, and re-examining costs for crossing guards and school resource officers. A final budget must be submitted to the state by Monday, June 29. Another meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/30/2026

Quakertown school report shows students want less computer-based learning
A new report from Quakertown Community School District finds that students want less computer-based learning and more meaningful human connection. Interim Superintendent Lisa Hoffman gathered the feedback during a two-month "listening tour" with roughly 256 secondary students, as well as parents and staff, and found that students consistently felt disengaged — describing their days as going through the motions rather than actively learning. The district plans to reevaluate its classroom technology use in response. The findings come as Pennsylvania considers a bell-to-bell cellphone ban, with a related bill passing the state House on June 1, which Hoffman said the district should get ahead of proactively. On a positive note, students expressed appreciation for extracurricular activities, sports, AP classes and other enrichment programs.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 6/2/2026 

Builder eyes 170-home project in Honey Brook Township
The nation's largest homebuilder wants to build 170 homes on 130 acres at 2207 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook Township, next to the Honey Brook Speedway. D.R. Horton's plan calls for building 85 duplexes and a range of amenities on the property. According to the plans for the project, called Arbor's Glen, the homebuilder would split off and donate a four-acre section of land housing the speedway from the rest of the development site in order to keep it in operation. The community's park-like amenities will be available to the public, according to D.R. Horton. There will be a baseball field, basketball court, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, playground facilities and parking areas for township use. Homes would range from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet, but prices have not been disclosed.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 5/28/2026

Aqua Pennsylvania plans to drain Fern Hill Lake reservoir in West Goshen
Property owner Aqua Pennsylvania plans to drain Fern Hill Lake reservoir and possibly donate the 114 acres to West Goshen Township. With the planned drawdown of the lake and the partial removal of Township Line Dam, the township discussed a possible property transfer at a recent meeting. Supervisors Chairman Shaun Walsh said that Aqua does not have any interest in selling the 114 acres for development. The utility intends to draw down the reservoir water by eight to 10 feet starting this summer. Design and permitting is underway and is expected to be completed by fall 2027. The schedule for partial dam removal will depend on when permits and approvals are obtained from regulatory agencies. Aqua expects to start work in early 2028 and finish up in spring 2029. Walsh said the township would want to preserve the property as open space and as a public park, likely with a pedestrian trail around the entire property. Aqua will attend a meeting with the board and public, likely in the second half of June, to answer questions and discuss the possible transfer and stream creation.
Source: Daily Local; 5/28/2026

Douglass exit raises data center concerns for nearby Chesco towns
Officials with the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee said Douglass Township’s decision to withdraw from the regional planning compact could eventually leave member municipalities, including North Coventry and East Coventry townships, more vulnerable to zoning challenges tied to hyperscale data centers. The withdrawal process will take at least a year to complete and existing protections under the regional agreement remain in place during that time, planners said. North Coventry has already begun updating its zoning ordinance to address potential data center proposals, while planners said the withdrawal also delays adoption of the region’s new comprehensive plan because references to Douglass Township must now be removed and rewritten.
Source: Daily Times; 5/28/2026

Chester County is growing, and Kennett Square leads the way
In the past five years, the population of the Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township have surged, outpacing the growth of the whole county, according to newly released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Kennett Square Borough saw a 16% increase since 2020. Kennett Township, which surrounds the borough entirely, has grown by nearly 12%. Together, they’ve added about 2,000 residents for a combined population of about 16,000. Chester County had an overall growth rate of about 4%, climbing to 557,116 people. Phoenixville and West Chester each added about 1,000 people for totals of around 20,000. For the rural Kennett municipalities, available housing isn’t aligned with the demand of people wanting to live there. It also has put increased stress on the essentials, such as water, sewer, infrastructure, plus fire, emergency medical services and police. The boom has required strategic planning from the local officials, as they try to balance the needs of longtime residents and their influx of new community members.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/23/2026