NAR helps deliver landmark ROAD to Housing Act
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a landmark piece of bipartisan legislation championed by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), was passed by Congress on June 23 and became law on July 11. The legislation marks the culmination of one of NAR’s largest coordinated advocacy campaigns in recent years. Rather than advocating for a single proposal, NAR worked to assemble broad bipartisan support for dozens of complementary policies that together address the nation’s housing shortage from multiple angles. The legislation focuses on four broad priorities: increasing housing supply, expanding access to homeownership, expanding access to capital, and supporting veterans. Read more about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on the NAR website.
Source: NAR; 7/11/2026

PA legislators pass $50.8 billion compromise budget
Pennsylvania’s $50.8 billion budget has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro after passing in both the state House and Senate. The budget spends roughly $2.4 billion less than Shapiro asked for in his February address, and excludes a number of policies he requested to bring in new revenue, like legalizing recreational cannabis and regulating skill games. It contains more than $920 million in new state funding for public education spending and will institute new energy policies and a long-sought increase to the pensions of teachers who retired before 2001. Legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle described the package of bills that comprises the budget as a product of compromise — three separate senators quoted the Rolling Stones’ song “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” in floor speeches. Read more at the Capital-Star.
Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star; 7/12/2026

 Report: Data center power plants would push Pennsylvania emissions up 24% 
A new report from the Environmental Integrity Project, covered by Jon Hurdle of Inside Climate News (a nonprofit, nonpartisan outlet), warns that at least seven planned natural gas-fired "behind-the-meter" power plants built to directly supply Pennsylvania data centers would emit roughly 68 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually — a 24% jump in the state's total emissions — with the largest plant, the converted Homer City plant near Pittsburgh, alone projected to become the state's biggest single pollution source. Nationally, the report identifies 74 similar plants (nearly half in Texas, another 20 in the Ohio River Valley across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia) that would collectively emit as much as Australia does in a year and be disproportionately located in low-income counties. Read more from Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA; 7/2/2026

Foreclosures are rising, with PA ranking 19th nationwide
Residential foreclosures have been on the rise, and some regions are feeling the sting more than others. The latest U.S. Foreclosure Market Report from property analytics firm ATTOM revealed one in every 3,388 housing units saw a foreclosure filing in April. According to ATTOM, 42,430 properties were hit with default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions in April. Pennsylvania ranked 19th in total foreclosure filings, with 1,602 homes affected in the commonwealth in April. ATTOM CEO Rob Barber believes the April foreclosure activity reflects a broader normalization trend following pandemic-era lows, and that strong homeowner equity, tight underwriting standards and sustained housing demand may limit wider foreclosure pressures.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 7/8/2026

Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls increase
Drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will soon pay more, as turnpike commissioners have approved a 3.5% toll increase set to take effect Jan. 3, 2027. The increase applies across the turnpike system and follows a 4% increase that took effect this year. Officials say the annual rate increase is required under state law and helps fund transportation-related obligations.
Source: PA TurnPike Commission; 7/8/2026

Boutique hotel plan dropped in Doylestown Borough
Developer Larry Thompson has abandoned his approved plan to build a controversial, 47-room "boutique hotel," restaurant and event space at 57 W. Court St. in Doylestown Borough. The project had drawn heavy resident opposition over noise, traffic and parking concerns despite winning unanimous zoning board approval in October 2025 for a fourth floor that would exceed current zoning limits. Borough Manager John Davis said no official withdrawal has been submitted but confirmed the project is no longer being pursued, leaving the site — cleared a year ago when the former Borough Hall was demolished — littered with debris and crumbling, propped-up walls. The property's next use remains unknown and any future development will be required to go through the full land development and zoning process.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/8/2026

Bucks DA adds two more victims to civil action against Dublin Borough landlord
The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has expanded its civil action against Dublin Borough landlords Richard and Ronald Goetter and their "R&R Enterprises" business for a second time, adding two more alleged victims. The tenants shared a room at the 113 S. Main St. boarding house for a year about two years ago and reported no working heat and a severe rodent infestation. They paid $150 weekly directly to the property manager. The original complaint named six tenants when DA Joe Khan filed suit in April using the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (a first for the office in targeting unsafe housing practices), and was later expanded to include a mother and her 11-year-old child. The property, which investigators say suffered severe code violations dating back to at least 2013 — including no working heat, black mold, a plywood-covered hole in a bathroom floor, and rodent/cockroach infestations — was ultimately condemned and its tenants evicted. The DA is now seeking a permanent injunction, restitution and civil penalties, with additional fines up to $3,000 per violation possible given that several tenants are over age 60.
Source: Tap Into Doylestown; 7/8/2026 & Bucks County Herald; 7/10/2026 

Alternate water supply missing from Sunoco’s jet fuel remediation plan in Upper Makefield
At a contentious two-hour meeting at Crossing Church in Upper Makefield Township, Energy Transfer and Sunoco Pipeline representatives presented their 197-page Remedial Action Plan for cleaning up an estimated 6,500-gallon jet fuel leak. The leak originated from a Sunoco pipeline that has contaminated wells in the Mount Eyre neighborhood since it was discovered in January 2025, though residents first noticed contamination in September 2023. Township officials — including Township Manager Gregg Schuster and Supervisors Chairman Ben Weldon — criticized the plan for failing to include an alternative water supply for affected residents who currently rely on temporary point-of-entry filtration systems while a proposed multiphase extraction pilot project moves forward. Consultant Neil Ketchum reported that of the estimated 6,500 gallons spilled, only 1,162 gallons have been recovered so far despite extensive monitoring. Elected officials including state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1) called for stronger oversight, faster action and new pipeline safety legislation. Energy Transfer will accept public comments on the plan through Aug. 3. More information and public comment information can be found on the Upper Makefield webpage dedicated to spill information.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/10/2026

Tinicum supervisors hear park survey results
At a recent Tinicum Township supervisors meeting, Parks and Recreation Committee Vice Chair Robin Lochner presented the findings of a May survey of 320 residents that showed strong support for park investment, including 87% of respondents favoring low-maintenance improvements and heavy demand for resurfacing Four Brooks Park's tennis/basketball courts. One resident questioned the survey's validity due to a lack of demographic filters and possible duplicate entries. Supervisors Chair Eleanor Breslin appreciated the concern but felt that the total number of responses provided a valuable baseline. Despite the enthusiasm, supervisors said the township's overcrowded administration building remains the top capital priority over park grants. The board welcomed a plan to convert unused Four Brooks lawn into a low-maintenance meadow, and plans to move forward with renaming Tinicum Community Park (the former Ottsville Golf Center).
Source: Bucks County Herald; 7/12/2026

Main Line Health to invest up to $240M for Paoli Hospital expansion
Main Line Health plans to construct a new five-story building at Paoli Hospital in Willistown Township to ease capacity issues and expand access to care. The 150,000-square-foot expansion will add 108 inpatient beds to the existing 231-bed community hospital. The cost of the addition, expected to open in early 2029, is estimated at between $220 million and $240 million. The top three floors of the planned five-story expansion will house the new inpatient beds that can be converted into intensive care unit beds. The ground floor will connect the addition to the hospital's emergency department and trauma unit. The first floor, above the ground floor, will house the lobby plus imaging and perinatal testing. A new heliport will be constructed on the structure’s roof for trauma patient transportation. Paoli Hospital last underwent a major expansion project two decades ago.
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 6/16/2026

West Whiteland to hold hearing on 49-home redevelopment of Weston campus
West Whiteland Township supervisors will consider a proposal to redevelop the former Weston Solutions office campus into a residential community featuring 49 single-family detached homes, the conversion of the historic Morstein mansion into a multifamily residence and the preservation of more than 20 acres of permanent open space. Weston Way Partners II Inc. has submitted a conditional use application for the project at 1400 Weston Way in the township's R-1 Residential District, where conditional use approval is required because the development proposes more than 15 dwelling units. The West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the application on Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the township building, 101 Commerce Drive, Exton.
Source: Daily Local; 7/7/2026

Chester County Health Department offers guidance for flooding
The Chester County Health Department has a new resource, the Flood Recovery Guide, to provide general guidance that can be utilized in the aftermath of a flood. It provides information on food and water safety, mold, mental and physical health, insurance and financial assistance tips, and more. Residents can also learn about flood risk information, flood preparedness and safety tips. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) continues to advocate for a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, modernized flood mapping, expanded mitigation grants and greater access to private flood insurance options to ensure homeowners and buyers can obtain affordable coverage in flood-prone areas. NAR has also supported gradual implementation of risk-based insurance rates and improved flood-disclosure requirements to help consumers make informed real estate decisions.
Source: Kennett Square Borough; 7/13/2026 

Oxford Borough to present police study results
Oxford Borough has rescheduled the public meeting to review the findings of a study completed by Keystone Municipal Solutions on borough finances and potential changes to police services. The meeting will be held on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. in the Penn’s Grove Middle School Auditorium at 301 S. Fifth St., Oxford. Police services are not being removed from the borough. The study is about evaluating the best way to ensure the community continues to receive high-quality police services for years to come. No vote will take place at the presentation of the findings. The next borough council meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 22, at 7 p.m, during which the council will consider next steps. The complete study is available on the borough website.
Source: Daily Local; 7/14/2026 

East Caln Township advances comprehensive zoning rewrite
East Caln Township is continuing its work on a complete overhaul of its zoning ordinance through a partnership with the Chester County Planning Commission. The rewrite is examining permitted uses, development standards, environmental protections, parking requirements and mixed-use regulations. The updated ordinance could significantly affect future residential and commercial development opportunities in the township. Read more here.
Source: East Caln Township; 6/29/2026