Housing affordability has reached a crisis point in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and across America. Every week, between 1,000 to 2,000 families or individuals are evicted across PA, according to Eviction Lab. Homelessness is on the rise, evidenced by growing tent encampments. ​

The good news is there are solutions for the approximately 30 percent of Pennsylvanians who rent. Too many of these individuals and families spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing -- a number that burdens budgets and people. 

​The Montco 30% Project's mission is to advocate for housing policy solutions at the county, state, and federal levels, including: 

* Rent control, statewide – House Bill 506, whose main sponsor is Rep. Nancy Guenst, would limit rent increases across Pennsylvania. If approved, it would limit annual rental increases on apartments and other residential units to 5% percent, plus inflation (up to a maximum of 10%). 

 
* Budget priorities – Budgets are statements of our values. Now that pandemic funds have dried up, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners should generously fund the Epic legal program, which offers free legal counseling to those facing eviction. Furthermore, the county should invest in a land bank to set aside buildings for future development as below-market units. Municipalities could be incentivized to contribute vacant, government-owned buildings to this bank.

 
* YIMBY – Many of us have attended public meetings where a vocal handful of residents halted a project or proposal. It is time for people of good conscience to stand up, publicly, and support policies that drive down the cost of housing for ALL income levels in Montgomery County. Just say, “Yes in My Backyard” to Habitat for Humanity developments, multi-family duplexes, and apartment complexes. Our children and workforce depend on it.

 
* Zoning changes – The Municipalities Planning Code was last updated more than 10 years ago. It should require that townships and boroughs build for all income levels, not just mixed development types. The MPC should also allow for denser development, wherever appropriate, including "tiny homes." 

Join us on this campaign for changes that will lead to more housing opportunities for people of all income levels, so that they can lead happier, productive lives. Please sign the Montco 30% Project's petition.