United Neighborhood Centers Build 8^th Affordable Housing Development in NEPA

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania has recently acquired a former sawmill in Honesdale to become its 8th affordable housing development.

The development, named Timber Mill Commons, will feature 42 units for seniors and families, along with a community building.

Housing is considered affordable when rent or mortgage payments equal 30 percent or less of a household’s total income, and is a barrier to many NEPA residents, as rents have increased as much as 48 percent in the last few years.  

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Philadelphia Transforms Vacant Lots into Green Community Spaces with New Pilot Program

According to officials, there are approximately 40,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia, many of which are publicly owned.

The new Philadelphia-based pilot program Lotscapes is converting vacant lots to green community spaces.

The city is partnering with volunteers and nonprofit organizations such as the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to launch community-led green spaces which include gardens, educational play opportunities for children, and outdoor gathering spaces. 

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Summer Education Program in Berks County Helps Teens Understand Business

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Leadership Academy (EELA) is a Berks County-based summer program that connects high school students with business education and opportunities.

EELA connects students to real-world experiences in the business world, provides business mentors, and creates pathways to opportunities for post-education employment or entrepreneurship.

This program works with the group Irresistible Teams, which coaches community leaders and organizations on building high-performing communities. 

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How Affordable Housing Contributes to Local Economies and Tax Revenues

According to recent research, the affordable housing investments of Oklahoma have resulted in substantial economic returns in job creation, labor income, and tax revenue.

Oklahoma has faced persistent housing affordability challenges, with wages being outpaced by increasing prices and lack of available housing units.

This report presents the economic and fiscal impacts of affordable housing units made through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in Oklahoma, which supported jobs and increased economic output. 



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Cities Need to Boost Green Investment, EIB Chief Says 

According to the European Investment Bank (EIB) President, cities should prioritize green investments to protect against climate change and increase urban comfortability.

Although cities make up less than three percent of the world’s surface, approximately 70 percent of the population is going to live in them by 2050.

This article discusses the importance of green investments in cities across the world and how cities can adopt actions to increase clean resources, sustainable energy, and green community spaces. 

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Clean Slate Laws Boost the Economy and Public Safety

In the United States, approximately 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record, nearly as many as those with a four-year degree.

Some states are passing bipartisan record-sealing laws that are designed to increase employment outcomes and help with reentry after prison.

Brookings Research explores how clean slate laws may improve economic, housing, and public safety outcomes. 



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