Rep. Cephas introducing legislation to create public affordable housing database
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas June 17, 2026 | 3:45 PM
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Amidst Pennsylvania’s affordable housing crisis, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., plans to introduce legislation to establish a database of publicly financed affordable housing properties throughout the Commonwealth.
“The need to preserve and expand access to affordable housing has never been more urgent,” said Cephas. “This database would provide transparency and timely information regarding expiring affordability protections. It would give policymakers, advocates, local governments and residents the tools necessary to protect existing affordable housing and plan for future housing needs.
Cephas said that in West Philadelphia, housing advocates and families are working to preserve 925 affordable housing units located across the city.
“Approximately 3,000 residents are at risk of displacement due to the expiration of affordability restrictions administered through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Additionally, over the next five years, nearly 9,000 federally assisted affordable housing units across Pennsylvania are projected to lose their affordability protections. This means thousands of additional families are also at risk of displacement.
“As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure our constituents have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.”
Administered by the PHFA in coordination with local agencies, the database would include properties’ location, ownership information, expiration date of affordability restrictions, and whether affordability programs are eligible for extension or renewal.
Cephas initially introduced this legislation in the 2023-24 session.
The legislation is currently circulating for co-sponsorship.
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