Workforce Housing Affordability Requirements (Bill 82)

Shared personal experiences with gentrification and rising housing costs, urging council to pass Bill 82 to protect local residents.

Representing Cortex Residential, supported the workforce housing bill while emphasizing that market-rate developers need LERTA tax incentives to make workforce housing economically viable.

Urged the city to seize the moment, pass the workforce housing bill, and ensure developers contribute to community growth while boosting DCD staffing.

Stressed that working-class families are being priced out of Allentown and urged leaders to bridge their differences and pass workforce housing protections.

Speaking as co-chair of the Commission on Homelessness, supported the workforce housing bill as a vital preventative measure against homelessness.

Representing City Center Group, praised the revised bill as a positive start and stressed the importance of eventually implementing LERTA to see tangible development results.

Urged council not to delay progress for the sake of perfection, noting soaring rents and deep community need for workforce housing.

Representing Jandl Enterprises, encouraged council to iron out technical details in the bill to eliminate uncertainty for developers while supporting the overall goal.

Speaking for Make the Road PA, emphasized the severe housing and eviction crisis facing immigrant and working-class families and urged immediate action.