Temple University’s Master of Public Policy program hosted a panel speaker event on April 3rd, 2025, on “Strategies on Attaining Affordable Housing in Philadelphia and Beyond.” This event brought together experts from the Philadelphia area and across the country to discuss this critical topic.
Panelists included:
- Eileen Divringi, Community Development Research Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
- James E. Hartling, Partner, Urban Partners
- Kathryn Reynolds, Principal Policy Associate, Research to Action Lab, Urban Institute
- Erik Soliván, Director of Housing, City of San José
The event was moderated by two MPP students, James Gray and Christina Kuhlmeier, who are both graduating from the program in May 2025.
The discussion highlighted the significant rise in median rent prices since 2021, which has outpaced wage growth and led to a substantial number of cost-burdened households. Panelists pointed out that there has been insufficient building activity in the private market, both for rentals and homeownership, since the Great Recession. This lack of supply, coupled with changing household formations, has driven up prices.
Another key point was the loss of lower-rent units, with experts explaining that adding units at the lower end of the rent spectrum typically requires considerable subsidy. While new market-rate units might help with median rents, the shortage of affordable units at the lower end remains a persistent issue.
The displacement of low-income families due to expanding city boundaries and high construction costs for affordable units was also discussed. Comparisons were made to other cities where producing a low-income unit can be extremely costly. The importance of mixed-income communities was stressed, as they can help finance affordable housing and create more inclusive neighborhoods.
The need for increased housing production to meet growing demand was emphasized, along with the importance of preserving existing affordable housing. Local initiatives in Philadelphia, such as property tax relief programs, the eviction diversion program, and incentives for developers to include affordable units in new constructions, were highlighted as efforts to mitigate displacement pressures and increase the supply of affordable housing.
The discussion aimed to inspire attendees to further delve into the issue of affordable housing and continue to be change makers in Philadelphia and beyond.