Senators introduce bill to protect independent contractor status for real estate pros
A bipartisan effort to clarify the independent contractor status of real estate professionals is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and John Curtis (R-UT) have introduced legislation that would establish consistent treatment for real estate professionals and direct sellers under federal labor law. A companion bill, H.R. 3495, introduced by Reps. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), is under consideration in the House. The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act would clarify that qualifying professionals are independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act, consistent with their longstanding treatment under the federal tax code. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 89% of its members operate as independent contractors. Read more at the NAR website.
Source: NAR; 10/6/2026

Office vacancies expected to fall as fewer offices are developed
The high office-vacancy rates that have defined the post-pandemic years for building owners, lenders and brokers are set to fall, but it's not because of surging demand. A forecast from commercial real estate data platform CoStar Group suggests that national vacancy rates that have dipped below 14% will gradually drop toward 13% over the next few years. CoStar attributes the expected movement not to companies being successful in bringing their employees back to the office, but rather to developers building less new space and older buildings being demolished to make way for something new. The climate has pushed developers — and municipal representatives in cities that heavily depend on office space for tax revenue — to create incentives and programs to boost the conversion of less-desirable office space. For Daniel Amodeo, president of real estate brokerage Amo Realty, the office market is resizing itself. "Some [offices] become apartments, hotels or mixed-use developments, so we could end up with a healthier office market simply because we're finally finding better uses for buildings that companies no longer want,” he said.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 8/13/2026

Aging stormwater systems face increased flood risks from El Niño
The nation’s aging stormwater infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle heavier rainfall associated with climate change and the developing El Niño, according to a Washington Post report. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. stormwater infrastructure a D in its 2025 report, citing the challenges of replacing aging systems. A Headwaters Economics analysis found that about two-thirds of the nation’s more than six million culverts are in states with outdated design standards. Experts warn that many drainage systems were designed using historical rainfall data that does not account for increasingly intense storms, leaving communities vulnerable to flooding and costly repairs.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/9/2026 

Proposed federal banking rules raise concerns about community lending
Federal regulators’ proposed changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) could reduce banks’ obligations to lend in low- and moderate-income communities, housing advocates warn. The CRA was intended to curb redlining policies, in which banks refused to lend in certain sections of Philadelphia and other cities. The proposals from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency could reduce Pennsylvania banks’ annual community reinvestment targets from an estimated $3 billion to $1.1 billion, according to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. Advocates fear the changes could lead to fewer small mortgages, small-business loans and neighborhood investments, as well as potential branch closures. Bank representatives, however, say they remain committed to community lending regardless of regulatory changes.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/11/2026

BCAR webinar will focus on housing affordability 
The Bucks County Association of Realtors (BCAR) will host a webinar focused on housing affordability and its effects on first-time buyers, move-up buyers and communities. The panel, organized by BCAR’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, will be moderated by SRA president/CEO Jamie Ridge, with Realtors Monique Simpson and Drew Amin and housing counselor Sherry Pace. The topics will include rising home prices, limited inventory, barriers to homeownership, practical strategies for guiding clients, and the latest market and policy developments affecting affordability. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at noon.
Source: BCAR; 10/2026

Philanthropists fund pilot program to help Bucks families avoid eviction
Bucks County philanthropists Gene and Marlene Epstein donated $68,000 to the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) to fund a pilot program that will help about 20 to 25 families facing legal eviction notices stay in their homes while they regain financial stability. The program goes beyond temporary rental assistance by also offering employment training and other individualized support over six months to a year, with the goal of making families self-sufficient so they don’t face eviction again. BCOC CEO Erin Lukoss noted that more than 4,970 Bucks County households face eviction each year — the sixth-highest eviction rate in Pennsylvania. Both Lukoss and Gene Epstein emphasized that preventing homelessness is cheaper than housing people in hotels and spares children the disruption that often requires extra support in school. The funding came from a matching campaign launched last year, in which the Epsteins pledged up to $50,000 if BCOC raised an equal amount. The organization surpassed that goal, so the couple added another $18,000.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/9/2026

Rice’s Market to close after 166 years
Rice’s Market, the sprawling indoor-outdoor flea market near New Hope in Solebury Township, will close for good at the end of the year, after more than 160 years in operation. The last day is set for Tuesday, Dec. 29. The market announced the decision on its Facebook page, citing only that “the market and economy changed over the last few years” and not giving a specific reason. The market will keep its usual Tuesday, Saturday and Black Friday schedule until then. Founded in the spring of 1860 when A.L. Rice began auctioning farm products on the site, the market added a sales market to its Tuesday livestock auctions in the 1950s and grew to more than 400 vendors across 30 acres, drawing about 8,000 shoppers a week from March through December. In its farewell statement, the market fondly recalled its “golden years” of pre-dawn crowds, pork roll sandwiches, and teens’ first jobs selling sodas. Market leaders described it as an incubator for side hustles and small businesses, and thanked vendors, employees and generations of loyal customers while encouraging the community to “keep choosing small” by supporting local businesses.
Source: Patriot News; 10/6/2026

Lower Makefield delays EIT ordinance advertisement
Lower Makefield Township supervisors postponed advertising an ordinance to adopt an earned income tax (EIT), saying they want more time to review all their options for closing a budget gap as the township nears its 14-mill real estate tax limit. The township faces a $469,000 deficit in its $19.2 million general fund this year — with the deficit expected to top $4 million by next year. Township officials must choose among advertising an EIT, seeking an emergency millage increase from Bucks County Court or pursuing first-class township status. Supervisors John Lewis and Daniel Grenier oppose an EIT because a 1% flat tax would hit less affluent residents, including apartment dwellers, harder than a property tax increase. Grenier also noted the township could tap a trust fund created from the 2022 sale of its sewer system to Aqua. Supervisor Judi Reiss and Chairman Matt Ross said they want to analyze the options and keep the process transparent. Without an EIT, Lower Makefield and Bristol Borough would be the only Bucks County municipalities not charging one. The board will meet again on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to review the 2027 budget, which must be adopted by year’s end.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/12/2026

Solebury 2035 comprehensive plan heads to county review
Solebury Township supervisors recently voted to approve the draft of the township comprehensive plan, “Solebury 2035,” and to send it to the Bucks County Planning Commission and neighboring municipalities for review. The state requires townships to update the plans every 10 years, and it sets priorities for the next decade. In other business, the board agreed to explore an “electric shuttle” linking key sites in Solebury, New Hope and Buckingham. It also authorized 2027 grants of $650 per active firefighter or police officer who lives in Solebury and, in the case of firefighters, volunteers with any of the three fire companies serving the township (New Hope Eagle, Midway and Point Pleasant).
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/12/2026

Central Bucks superintendent warns of future fiscal crisis
Central Bucks School District Superintendent Dr. Joanna Wexler, who became superintendent on July 1, warned at a community forum at Central Bucks West High School that the district faces a $14 million deficit and “will be out of money in two years” amid declining enrollment. Wexler noted that departing staff will be considered for replacement on a case-by-case basis. About 20 people attended the casual, round-table session, the first of three Wexler is holding — with the final installment scheduled for Oct. 26 at Jamison Elementary. Much of the discussion centered on the recent disturbance in which some 300 teens flooded downtown Doylestown after a Friday night football game. Suggestions included a police assembly or reviving post-game dances. Regarding special education, following last year’s scandal over alleged abuse of a nonverbal child at Jamison Elementary, she said two new administrators have been hired in a department restructuring that adds more supervision, professional development and one-to-one support staff, and she stressed that special education students shouldn’t have to be separate in everything.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 10/6/2026

New Britain to consider fire, ambulance taxes
The New Britain Township Council will consider proposed ordinances to amend Chapter 24 of the municipal code, “Taxation; Special,” to include a new Part 7, “Fire Services Tax,” and a new Part 8, “Ambulance and Emergency Services Tax.” The purpose of the proposed ordinance is for the township to avail itself of the millage rate increases permitted for fire protection and emergency services/ambulance taxes authorized by Act 54 of 2024. A public hearing will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the municipal building, 207 Park Ave. After the hearing, the township council will consider enactment of the ordinances at its regular meeting. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available at the township administrative office.
Source: Intelligencer; 10/9/2026

Upper Southampton postpones U&O ordinance vote
Upper Southampton supervisors postponed vote on a draft ordinance that would amend Chapter 134 of the township code, which governs sales of real estate and the issuance of certificates of use and occupancy (U&O). The proposal had been scheduled for a public hearing and possible enactment on Oct. 13. The Suburban Realtors Alliance submitted written comments to the township, seeking changes to bring provisions of the ordinance in line with state law. The township is continuing to revise the proposed ordinance.
Source: Upper Southampton Township

Chester County housing aid continues as voucher program ends
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) notified the Housing Authority of the County of Chester (HACC) that Emergency Housing Voucher households under lease as of Sept. 30 are eligible to transition through Tenant Protection Vouchers into the Housing Choice Voucher program. HUD currently identifies 70 HACC families meeting the Sept. 30 requirement. The county housing authority is reviewing that information as it prepares to coordinate the conversions with HUD, tenants and property owners. The transition is intended to prevent the expiration of the Emergency Housing Voucher program from interrupting rental assistance for eligible households. Under HUD’s approach, those families will be treated as continuously assisted. They will not have to reapply for housing assistance, enter HACC’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list or undergo another eligibility screening solely because of the conversion. Eligible tenants may also remain in their current homes as long as they continue meeting applicable lease and program requirements. HACC administers affordable housing and rental assistance programs for eligible families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and other Chester County residents.
Source: MyChesco; 10/5/2026

West Chester Borough proposed budget includes tax increase
West Chester Borough Manager Sean Metrick presented the proposed 2027 budget to borough council at its monthly work session. Metrick said the budget will include a tax increase to make up for roughly $1.2 million in revenue lost with the repeal of the stormwater fee. The proposal calls for a millage increase of 1.02 mills, to a total of 9.11 mills, to cover the cost of maintaining 1,500 inlets, 339 junctions and 23 miles of pipe in the borough. The borough team decided to cut the scope and cost of the program by 30%, which will result in a longer replacement schedule and fewer capital projects. Metrick maintains that West Chester’s government services are “reasonably priced.”
Source: West Chester Chronicle; 9/28/2026 and Daily Local; 9/18/2026

East Vincent to discuss Barton’s Meadows sewer defects
East Vincent Township will hold a public meeting to discuss the condition and operation of the Barton’s Meadows wastewater system. Inspections documented sewer-line deformation, elevated water levels, damaged manholes and debris in portions of the collection system. Township officials and wastewater professionals are expected to discuss the findings and answer residents’ questions. The township sent out a letter relating to Barton’s Meadows and wastewater treatment over the summer. Customers currently pay $1,904 annually for wastewater service, but the inspection records do not establish repair costs or whether rates will change. The meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal complex.
Source: East Vincent Township; 10/12/2026

Westtown considers sale of historic Darlington Inn
Westtown Township is considering selling the historic 1823 Darlington Inn, also known as the Westtown Inn, after acquiring the two-acre property as part of the Crebilly Farm open-space purchase. The inn is located at the Route 202 and Route 926 intersection. Former Historic Commission members Stephen Wahrhaftig and Patrick McDonough, now members of the Westtown-Brandywine Historical Society, are asking the township to place a historic façade easement on the National-Register-eligible property before any sale, which they say would preserve the building’s exterior while allowing private owners to renovate or adaptively reuse the interior. McDonough noted that the new private owner would receive a tax break on any loss of value due to an easement. The township says it is evaluating preservation options, including easements and incentives for buyers, and has not established a sale method or date. An auction and a sealed-bid sale are among the options under consideration.
Source: Daily Local; 10/8/2026

Peirce Middle School expansion heads to West Goshen hearing
A proposed expansion and renovation of E.N. Peirce Middle School will go before West Goshen Township supervisors, as the West Chester Area School District seeks approval to replace temporary classrooms with permanent construction and to rework portions of the campus. The improvements would bring traffic circulation, parking and stormwater conditions into the township’s land-use review. The board of supervisors will hold the public hearing on Monday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. at the township building, 1025 Paoli Pike in West Chester.
Source: MyChesco; 10/6/2026

North Coventry data center proposal withdrawn
Developers have withdrawn plans for an 86,000-square-foot data center at the former Coventry Mall in North Coventry Township, canceling a zoning hearing scheduled for Oct. 22. PGOB Coventry Holdings LLC and PennMark Management Company Inc. had sought approval to classify the proposed facility as a public service facility permitted by special exception under the township’s zoning ordinance. The township’s engineering consultants questioned that interpretation and identified deficiencies in the application. North Coventry is separately drafting a zoning amendment to regulate data centers, although the proposed rules would not apply to the mall project because the application was submitted before their adoption.
Source: Penn Live; 10/8/2026