Kathryn Newton

The meeting announced is scheduled to conduct normal Agency business and approve the issuance of certain Agency securities. The agenda items for the subsequent board meeting included the election of the Vice Chair of the Board, committee reports from Policy and Program Development Review, authorization of the Resiliency Fund, approval of various financing and ownership transfer requests (including Savoy 48, Opera House, and Cornerstone at Pennbrook), and discussion of tax-exempt financing for Fifth and Dinwiddie, with delegated authority to the PDR Committee for minor modifications. The agenda also covered Housing Resources Updates, confirmation of the Director of Human Resources, and an Executive Session to discuss ongoing Agency matters with Agency Chief Counsel.

The upcoming board meeting is scheduled to conduct normal Agency business and approve the issuance of certain Agency securities. The agenda includes reports from the Audit Committee and the Program Development Review Committee, which involves requests for commitment of first mortgage financing for ten specified apartment projects and requests for tax-exempt financing for two Fairhill phases. Updates on the PA HAF program and Housing Resources are also planned.

The Board meeting agenda included the election of a Vice Chair, discussion of the 2026 draft PHARE plan by the Policy Committee, and review of several proposals by the Program and Development Review Committee. These proposals involved approving the transfer of general partner interests for Concord Pointe and Ambler Plaza, committing first mortgage financing for Evan Owen Apartments and Henley Lofts, and approving tax-exempt financing for Philadelphia Preservation 4%. Other key items included Housing Resources Updates, announcements of the 2026 Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellowship Award recipients, approval of the Agency's program funding for the 2026 calendar year, and setting tentative board meeting dates for 2026.

The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) Plan outlines the strategic approach for utilizing state and federal funds to support affordable housing across the Commonwealth. Its core principles emphasize maximizing resource leveraging, ensuring long-term affordability, addressing the greatest housing needs through new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation, fostering strong partnerships, ensuring effective and efficient implementation, promoting equitable and transparent allocation of funds, and enabling emergency responses to critical housing needs. The plan details an analysis of housing needs, considers real estate market dynamics, specifies funding allocation and use, and prioritizes high-quality design and construction. Specific funding priorities are outlined for Marcellus Shale, Realty Transfer Tax, and National Housing Trust Fund allocations, targeting vulnerable populations, reducing homelessness, and promoting homeownership through various initiatives.

The Health for Housing Investment Plan outlines the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's strategy to expand financing for affordable housing development and preservation through partnerships with hospitals, health systems, and other health organizations. The plan focuses on five key goals: creating incentives, coordinating efforts with government stakeholders, convening cross-sector partners, developing an online hub for resources, and increasing internal capacity. Commitments include setting aside tax credits and State Housing Trust Fund dollars for relevant projects, with an overarching aim to integrate health and housing for health equity.