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HB 2445

An Act amending the act of June 27, 1996 (P.L.403, No.58), known as the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act, providing for Office of Housing Opportunity.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danilo Burgos and 16 co-sponsors

Creates an Office of Housing Opportunity to administer housing programs, coordinate funding, and support affordable housing, redevelopment, and community revitalization.

Referred to Housing & Community Development
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2445

Summary of HB 2445 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Title

An Act amending the act of June 27, 1996 (P.L.403, No.58), known as the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act, providing for Office of Housing Opportunity.

Purpose and Intent

HB 2445 seeks to modify the existing Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act to establish or redefine an Office of Housing Opportunity. The bill aims to strengthen state support for housing development, preservation, and related community development activities by clarifying the role, authority, funding, and program scope of the Office of Housing Opportunity within the framework of the act.

Key Provisions (highlights)

  • Establishment/Designation of Office of Housing Opportunity: Creates or formalizes an office within the scope of the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act tasked with housing-related initiatives.
  • Authority and Duties: articulates the powers and responsibilities of the Office of Housing Opportunity, which may include program administration, financial incentives, technical assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local governments and other state agencies.
  • Funding and Financing: outlines potential funding sources (e.g., state appropriations, program-specific funds, and opportunities for leveraging federal or private funds) to support housing initiatives, development projects, or subsidies.
  • Program Scope: focuses on housing opportunities, including affordable housing development, redevelopment of blighted areas, preservation of existing housing stock, energy efficiency improvements, and community revitalization.
  • Eligibility and Compliance: sets criteria for project eligibility, reporting requirements, accountability measures, and compliance with state and federal housing regulations.
  • Coordination with Local Entities: encourages or mandates collaboration with municipalities, housing authorities, housing coalitions, and nonprofits to maximize impact and avoid duplication.
  • Reporting and Oversight: requires periodic reporting to the General Assembly and establishes oversight mechanisms to monitor program outcomes, performance metrics, and fiscal integrity.

Note: The exact language and specific articles/sections of the act being amended are not provided in the prompt. The summary reflects the typical structure and likely content of amendments to create or modify a state Office of Housing Opportunity within the framework of a community and economic development statute.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State Government: Office or agency responsible for housing programs would gain new authority and responsibilities; budgetary allocations would be directed to support the Office’s activities.
  • Local Governments and Housing Authorities: Communities and local housing providers would interact with the Office for funding, guidance, and partnership opportunities.
  • Developers and Nonprofits: Entities involved in affordable housing, redevelopment, and community development could access incentives, subsidies, and technical assistance.
  • Households and Communities: Beneficiaries include residents seeking affordable housing, improved housing quality, and revitalized neighborhoods.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Amendment Process: The bill proposes changes to the statutory framework governing community and economic development programs; if enacted, the Act would be amended to codify the Office of Housing Opportunity’s role.
  • Implementation Timeline: Not specified in the provided summary. Typically, such bills include effective dates (e.g., immediate upon enactment or a set date) and phased implementation for program roll-out.
  • Reporting Milestones: Likely requires regular reporting to the General Assembly to track outcomes, funding usage, and program effectiveness.

Considerations for Readers

  • The bill’s impact depends on the final enacted language, including the exact powers granted, funding levels, and reporting requirements.
  • If you are a local official, developer, or housing advocate, monitoring updates on appropriation language, program guidelines, and implementation timelines will be important.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on particular aspects (e.g., funding mechanisms, specific program components, or anticipated administrative structure) once the bill’s full text becomes available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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