Pocono Leaders Tackle Affordable Housing Crisis

Roundtable discussion identifies key barriers and potential solutions

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:27am

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Local leaders, lawmakers, and community members in the Pocono region of Pennsylvania gathered on March 26, 2026 for a roundtable discussion hosted by state Representative Tarah Probst to address the growing affordable housing crisis in the area. Participants identified several key barriers to affordable housing, including limited land availability, high construction costs, and restrictive zoning regulations, and explored potential solutions such as incentivizing developers, expanding rental assistance programs, and reforming outdated policies.

Why it matters

The Pocono region has seen rapid population growth and rising housing costs in recent years, pricing out many long-time residents and making it increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income families to find affordable places to live. Addressing this crisis is crucial for maintaining the region's economic vitality and ensuring access to housing for all community members.

The details

The roundtable discussion brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local government officials, nonprofit leaders, real estate developers, and community advocates. Participants highlighted several factors contributing to the affordable housing shortage, such as limited land availability due to the region's mountainous terrain, high construction costs driven by supply chain issues and labor shortages, and restrictive zoning regulations that prioritize single-family homes over denser, more affordable housing options. To tackle these challenges, the group discussed potential solutions like providing tax incentives for developers who include affordable units in their projects, expanding rental assistance programs, and reforming outdated zoning codes to allow for more diverse housing types.

  • The roundtable discussion was held on March 26, 2026 in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
  • The Pocono region has seen rapid population growth and rising housing costs in recent years.

The players

Tarah Probst

A state representative who hosted the roundtable discussion on affordable housing in the Pocono region.

East Stroudsburg

The location where the roundtable discussion on affordable housing took place.

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What they’re saying

“This is not just a Monroe County problem, it's a statewide issue that requires a comprehensive approach.”

— Tarah Probst, State Representative

What’s next

The roundtable participants agreed to continue collaborating on potential policy solutions and to advocate for increased state and federal funding to support affordable housing initiatives in the Pocono region.

The takeaway

The Pocono affordable housing crisis is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated, community-driven approach to address the various barriers and implement effective solutions. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and exploring innovative strategies, local leaders are taking important steps to ensure access to safe, affordable housing for all residents.