Housing

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's housing work has focused on the availability of affordable homeownership opportunities in close proximity to existing and emerging employment centers and in areas that are well-served by public transit. The Commission has also analyzed the region's rental housing stock, its supply of public and assisted housing, and homelessness. In each case, staff has analyzed background housing data and trends, reviewed existing housing policies and legislation, and presented recommendations for improving and expanding the region's stock of affordable housing.

During the current Fiscal Year, DVRPC staff is working on an assessment of housing for the region's aging population. The elderly are now the fastest growing segment of the population, and most of this growth is expected to occur in the suburbs, as suburban "baby boomers" age in place. Unfortunately, these areas are often not well-served by public transit and may not offer the services needed by an elderly population. The current study, due to be completed in June 2004, will focus on enhancing and expanding affordable housing opportunities for the region's elderly and near-elderly residents, in locations close to public transit and services.

The DVRPC Regional Housing Committee provides a regional forum for housing issues facing the Delaware Valley and directs housing research and planning activities by DVRPC staff. The Committee, which meets quarterly, makes recommendations to the DVRPC Board and staff on housing-related issues to be addressed in the annual work program; keeps DVRPC Board and staff apprised of current and emerging citizen concerns relating to housing; and serves in a technical review capacity on all housing-related studies being conducted by DVRPC staff. Available studies include the following:

• Homeownership: A Dream Still Vanishing?
• Homelessness in the Delaware Valley
• Public and Assisted Housing in the Delaware Valley
• Solutions for Affordable Rental Housing
• Delaware Valley Rental Housing Assessment
• Building the Dream: Solutions for Affordable Homeownership
• Homeownership - A Vanishing Dream?

These reports are available through our Service Counter at 215/238-2828 or via email at ssmith@dvrpc.org.

Visit the Regional Housing Committee (RHC) webpage, where you can find past agendas and scheduled meeting dates.