Shapiro’s Housing Executive Order to Meet Legislative Statewide Zoning 

Late last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order directing the state Department of Community and Economic Development to create the first statewide housing action plan. The department is to work with stakeholders to create a comprehensive plan to address what Shapiro calls the state’s housing shortage. 

Members of the state House and Senate have claimed that local government land use policies have helped cause an “affordable” housing shortage. In fact, a House committee approved legislation to create statewide zoning that would allow “by right” multifamily housing in commercial areas and developments zoned for single-family homes; in effect, taking away the rights of local residents and communities. 

The author of the House bill made his thoughts very clear when he stated at the committee hearing: “… People who live in walkable, mixed-use, dense communities are by and large healthier, happier, more productive. They earn more money and frankly, they live more fulfilling lives.” 

Watch as PSATS Executive Director Dave Sanko discusses this issue in this month’s “Behind the Headlines,” a program from the Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy.