Affordable housing shortage
The Lehigh Valley faces an estimated shortage of about 9,000 housing units that is expected to worsen with population and employer growth. Working families face high rent burdens, and County Executive Zrinski has prioritized zoning reform, public-private partnerships, builder collaboration, and balancing development with open-space and farmland preservation as highlighted in her State of the County address.
What approach should Northampton County take to address the regional affordable housing shortage?
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Sources
County Executive Tara Zrinski — https://www.mcall.com/2026/06/25/northampton-county-executive-state-of-county-address/
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission estimates a regional shortage of ~9,000 units (expected to worsen with growth and employers like Eli Lilly). Working families face high rent burdens (~40% of income for some). Zrinski prioritizes zoning reform, public-private partnerships, builder/philanthropist collaboration, and balancing growth with open-space/farmland preservation.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Aggressively rezone and fund subsidized affordable units plus renter protections countywide
- Pursue zoning reforms and public-private partnerships to increase affordable housing supply
- Support balanced growth that adds housing while protecting open space and existing neighborhoods
- Limit new mandates; rely mainly on private market development with minimal county subsidies
- Prioritize property rights and oppose dense or subsidized housing that could alter community character