[VT Philadelphia PA] — March 12, 2025, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless, has expressed strong support for Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposal to issue an $800 million housing bond to address Philadelphia’s affordable housing crisis.
A Historic Investment in Housing
Councilmember Gauthier described the initiative as a critical step toward solving the city’s severe housing shortage.
“At our current pace, it will take more than 200 years to build enough affordable housing. This is time we do not have, which is why I have been calling on the City to more aggressively fight this crisis,” said Gauthier.
She emphasized that the housing crisis is primarily a funding issue, not a lack of existing programs. Philadelphia already operates several successful affordable housing initiatives, including:
- Shallow Rent Program
- Basic Systems Repair
- Built to Last
- Turn the Key
- PHLhousing+
- Targeted Financial Assistance
However, she pointed out that these programs lack adequate funding to meet demand.
Voices from the Community
Gauthier referenced testimony from Philadelphia residents at a recent Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and the Homeless hearing, where many shared personal struggles with the city’s housing shortage.
“This proposal is our opportunity to correct course—to make sure those who need our help the most finally get their fair share,” Gauthier stated.
Call for Action
As the City Council considers Mayor Parker’s proposal, Gauthier challenged officials to follow through on their commitments:
“Renters and homeowners are telling us what they need. All we need to do is be brave enough to give it to them. If affordable housing is as much of a priority as we say it is—let’s prove it by putting our money where our mouth is.”
The $800 million bond proposal is expected to undergo further review in the coming weeks as city leaders debate how best to allocate resources for affordable housing in Philadelphia.
