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Council extends HOME program approval and proclaims Affordable Housing Month
Summary
Philadelphia City Council unanimously extended approval of the 2025–26 'Housing Opportunities Made Easy' (HOME) annual program statement to cover fiscal year 2027 and adopted a resolution recognizing May as Affordable Housing Month, after multiple public commenters urged significant investments to expand and preserve affordable units.
Philadelphia City Council on May 7 adopted a resolution extending approval of the 2025–2026 'Housing Opportunities Made Easy' (HOME) program annual statement and budget to constitute approval for fiscal year 2027 expenditures, then voted to recognize May as Affordable Housing Month.
The resolution extending the HOME program (moved by Council Member Jamie Gartier) passed unanimously. Council said the extension permits continuity of program spending plans while allowing the city and partner agencies to advance homeownership incentives, rehabilitation projects and tenant-assistance programs.
During public comment, advocates pressed council for specific investments and program expansions. Testimony conveyed a set of funding requests submitted on behalf of disabled and low-income residents (via a commenter delivering Candace Davis’s testimony): "Invest $15 million in adaptive modification; $140 million in rental housing production and preservation; $80 million in basic systems repair; $6 million in shallow rent; and $45 million in eviction diversion and rent payments," the submitted list requested.
Why it matters: Council’s extension preserves program continuity that supports home repairs, rental preservation and homeownership tools; community speakers said additional targeted investments are needed to address extreme rent burdens and chronic housing instability across Philadelphia.
Other actions: The council also adopted several related resolutions recognizing community organizations and calling for further attention to housing needs, and indicated committee follow-up and budget review for FY2027 priorities.
Next steps: City departments implementing HOME-funded activities will proceed under the extended program authorization, and council budget and committee staff will engage with advocates and agencies to refine FY2027 allocations and program details.
