Building starter homes near transit provides greater opportunities
Policy Committee examines housing needs in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus July 22, 2026 | 11:59 AM
CASTLE SHANNON, July 22 – A lack of starter homes has limited options for workers, including a younger generation that is unable to realize the American dream – which for many includes home ownership, building generational wealth and starting a family. Unable to find affordable housing options, many are resorting to paying higher rent, longer commutes and a life where saving money is not possible.
“If workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, everyone pays a price – workers lack mobility in switching jobs, employers struggle to find workers and residents lack the services they need,” said state Rep. Jen Mazzocco, who represents portions of Allegheny County and co-hosted a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable and tour on the topic. “Building location-efficient housing not only unites our neighborhoods but also makes our communities stronger and more economically resilient.”
The House Majority Policy Committee held a roundtable at Castle Shannon Library, toured local transportation options, talked to housing and transportation experts, and examined the need for starter housing in Allegheny County.
“The housing affordability crisis will only continue to get worse unless we act now,” said Rep. John Inglis, who co-hosted the event and represents a portion of Allegheny County. “Home ownership is the foundation of the American Dream, and the lack of affordable housing weakens our neighborhoods, limits the ability of households to create generational wealth and creates a barrier to a robust workforce.”
The issue confronting Allegheny County is a statewide and national issue, with the average rent in the nation rising 27% since 2020.
“Housing, transportation, employment and economic viability are interconnected,” said House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “When workers have housing options closer to work, it cuts down on their transportation costs – providing our local communities with a stronger workforce, quality services, and more money families can then save or spend in their hometowns.”
Wages have not kept pace with a higher cost of living. For instance, Pennsylvania has the lowest minimum wage in the nation – and there is no state where working full-time at minimum wage can provide enough money to rent a two-bedroom apartment.
Inglis has introduced bills (House Bill 2185, H.B. 2186) to reform zoning and remove barriers to housing. The bills are just two measures taken with House Democrats in working with Gov. Josh Shapiro to address housing needs across Pennsylvania.
Wednesday’s House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Breen Masciotra, the executive director for Mobilify; Ngani Ndimbie, the director of programs for Mobilify of Southwestern Pennsylvania; C. Michael Foote, borough manager, Castle Shannon; Moira Egler, manager, Transit-Oriented Communities, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, PRT, and; Laya Matthews, senior project manager Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.