Federal uncertainty complicates PA budget haggling over transit, education
Competing priorities and possible federal cuts to Medicaid are complicating negotiations as top state lawmakers attempt to craft a budget deal by the June 30 deadline. Republicans who control the state Senate say their biggest concern is overspending, which means some areas — like education, transit, Medicaid and transportation infrastructure — will be deprioritized. Democrats who control the state House say their counterparts haven’t offered many solutions that could lead to a compromise in a divided Harrisburg. Pennsylvania runs a structural deficit, spending more than it takes in year over year. Previous budgets approved by members of both parties have routinely increased spending and used accounting tricks to balance the books instead of making sustainable changes, like spending cuts or new taxes. Read more at Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA; 6/2/2025

Baby boomers regain top spot as largest share of home buyers
In a shift that underscores changing dynamics in the housing market, baby boomers now make up the largest generational group of home buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR's 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report, which examines the similarities and differences among recent home buyers and sellers across generations, found that the combined share of younger boomers (ages 60 to 69) and older boomers (ages 70 to 78) rose to 42% of all home buyers in the past year. Millennials dropped to 29% of all buyers — down notably from 38% a year ago. Generation X buyers (ages 45 to 59) held steady at 24%. Read more at the NAR website.
Source: NAR; 4/1/2025

NAR releases updated State Flood Disclosure Tracker
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released an updated State Flood Disclosure Tracker to reflect recent changes in state laws requiring disclosure of property conditions, including prior flood damage. The update responds to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposal that would require states to adopt a federal flood disclosure form as a condition for participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, all 50 states and D.C. already require disclosure of known material property conditions — many of which include more detailed, flood-specific disclosures developed by state and local authorities. NAR opposes FEMA’s one-size-fits-all approach, citing unnecessary duplication, increased administrative burden and limited consumer benefit. Instead, NAR supports broader NFIP reforms, including the Flood History Information Act of 2024, which would require FEMA to share claims and disaster aid data directly with property buyers and renters.
Source: NAR; 5/30/2025

What SEPTA cuts mean for transit-oriented development
In recent years, many communities on the Main Line and elsewhere have embraced transit-oriented development, a model that encourages building retail, restaurants, offices, residential buildings and parks in a walkable environment that is close to public transit. Advocates say transit-oriented development has brought diversity, density and economic vibrancy to formerly exclusive and sleepy downtown corners. Proposed cuts to SEPTA would mean the elimination of the Paoli/Thorndale Line and other regional rail lines, as well as suburban bus routes. Questions loom over the future of development in communities that have bet on building around transit. Read more in the Philadelphia Inquirer (gift link).
Source: Inquirer; 6/5/2025

SRA webinar will explore impact of tariffs on the housing market
The Suburban Realtors Alliance will host a webinar to discuss the role that international trade and tariffs play in shaping the housing market and real estate more broadly. “Tariffs, Trade, and the Housing Market: What You Need to Know” will be held via Zoom on Thursday, June 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. SRA CEO Jamie Ridge will be joined by Drexel University economist Kevin Gillen, PhD, for a discussion of the influence of global economic policy on housing affordability, construction costs and real estate investment trends. The webinar is open to members of the Bucks County Association of Realtors and Tri-County Suburban Realtors. Learn more here and register here. 

Chalfont continues to consider sewer lateral inspections at point-of-sale
Chalfont Borough Council will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at Chalfont Borough Hall, 40 N. Main St., to consider the adoption of a proposed ordinance that will allow for the inspection of public sewer connections and set standards for on-lot septic systems. The proposed ordinance will set forth definitions, prohibited discharge standards, sewer connections, prohibition of encroachment on sewer easements, the inspection of all properties prior to transfer of title for compliance, regulation of the disposal of fats, oil and greases by food service establishments and other nonresidential establishments, and grinder pumps. It also lays out violation and penalty provisions. The full text of the proposed ordinance may be examined at Chalfont Borough Hall. A draft of the proposed ordinance was included in borough council’s May 13 meeting packet.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/30/2025

Langhorne making final revisions to residential rental registration ordinance
Langhorne Borough Council has been discussing the enactment of several housing- and building-related ordinances. The first proposed ordinance — a residential rental registration ordinance — looks to be heading to advertisement, which is a required step before it can be considered for enactment. The May 29 work session agenda included a line item for “comments and final revisions” to the proposed ordinance. Council next meets on Wednesday, June 11. Watch for the agenda here.
Source: Langhorne Borough; 5/2025

Ivyland Borough to amend chicken regulations
Ivyland Borough Council will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. at the Harold S. Hobensack Municipal Complex, 991 Pennsylvania Ave., to consider the adoption of a proposed ordinance to amend established standards for the keeping of domesticated chickens. The proposed amendments will add definitions for “domesticated chicken,” “chicken run or pen,” and “henhouse or chicken coop.” It adds an accessory use for the keeping of domesticated chickens, and it prohibits the keeping of roosters. The proposed ordinance is available for review at Borough Hall during normal business hours.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/30/2025

Solebury Township ordinance will levy annual tax to support emergency services
Solebury Township supervisors will hold a hybrid public hearing on Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. to receive public comment and testimony on a proposed tax to support Central Bucks Emergency Medical Services. The hearing will take place at the township building, 3092 Sugan Road. The ordinance would levy an annual tax of 1.2902 mills to fund ambulance, rescue, and other emergency services. The tax rate was previously approved by resolution as part of the 2025 township budget and is now being confirmed by ordinance to comply with Act 54 of 2024.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 5/2025

Centennial hires former Central Bucks superintendent
The Centennial School Board hired Abram Lucabaugh as its next superintendent despite the opposition of community members alarmed by the controversy surrounding his tenure at the Central Bucks School District. The board voted 5-4 to approve a three-year contract for Lucabaugh, with a starting annual salary of $225,000. Critics of the hiring questioned policies enacted at Central Bucks under Lucabaugh, while Lucabaugh told Centennial community members that the policies were passed by the Central Bucks School Board, not him. Following the vote, a group opposed to Lucabaugh — Concerned Citizens of Centennial School District — promised “to hold Dr. Lucabaugh and the school board accountable” by being “prepared to challenge any actions that threaten the rights, well-being or educational future of our children.”
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 5/28/2025 

West Sadsbury loosens ADU zoning
West Sadsbury Township supervisors are considering a draft ordinance that would loosen zoning restrictions regarding the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The proposal would “provide for accessory dwelling units in all zoning districts to provide for additional housing opportunities in the township.” The ordinance defines an ADU as an “independent dwelling unit on the same lot as a single-family dwelling unit, which is secondary and accessory to the single-family residence and located within the principal structure or within a detached accessory structure, and having a common electrical supply with the principal residence.” Section 2 of the ordinance includes provisions that ADUs “may only be created on single-family, detached residential lots within any district where such use exists and on properties containing a gross lot area of at least two acres or more as may be required by the Zoning Ordinance.” It further notes that the maximum size of an ADU shall be no more than 50% of the gross habitable above-grade area of the principal dwelling unit, and no ADU may be used as a short-term rental. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 6400 N. Moscow Road, Parkesburg.
Source: Daily Local News; 5/28/2025

East Whiteland considers ordinances on workforce housing, fire code, hotel inspections
East Whiteland Township supervisors will consider a draft ordinance to create a new Section 200-13.1 of the municipal code, titled Workforce Housing. It will establish a process for the development of housing in zoning districts where apartments are “permitted specifically designed and subsidized for middle- and moderate-income households.” Apartment developments with 100 units or more shall comply with the ordinance. The township is also considering adopting the International Fire Code 2021 edition with certain changes. Supervisors are also considering a proposed ordinance to ensure the safety of guests at hotels, motels and inns through a licensing and inspection program. All three draft ordinances will be considered during hearings on Wednesday, June 11, at the township building, 209 Conestoga Road, Frazer. The draft ordinances are available for review on the township website.
Source: Daily Local News; 5/28/2025

Residents, business owners provide input on New Garden zoning plans
New Garden Township residents, joined by local business leaders, gathered at two events on May 21 to provide their input on the township’s long-term zoning plans. The two meetings gave attendees 45 minutes to discuss what, in their opinions, should serve as the township’s top priorities in determining its future. The revised zoning map and amendments are expected to be adopted by the supervisors in the fall. Read more at Chester County Press.
Source: Chester County Press; 5/28/2025

Chesco health department releases Community Health Assessment
The Chester County Health Department released the 2025 Community Health Assessment, a detailed report that provides an in-depth look at the current health status of county residents. The assessment highlights priority health concerns, factors that influence health, community strengths, and key areas where improvements are needed to foster a healthier community. More than 4,000 residents participated in a survey as part of the assessment. While Chester County continues to rank as one of the healthiest counties in Pennsylvania, the assessment highlights widening health disparities, particularly in chronic disease outcomes and maternal and child health. Mental and behavioral health continues to be a growing concern, with more residents identifying it as a top health issue.
Source: Chester County Press; 6/4/2025