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PHFA Launches Request for Proposals for Mixed-Use Development Projects

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) geared towards supporting new construction or rehabilitation of mixed-use development projects. This initiative aims to provide financial backing through the Community Revitalization Fund Program, and proposal submissions are due by 2 p.m., on October 30, 2026.

The Community Revitalization Fund has been strategically established to boost community development across Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on mixed-use projects. These types of developments are designed to blend residential and commercial spaces within a single building, often acting as a catalyst for revitalizing entire neighborhoods. Robin Wiessmann, the Executive Director and CEO of PHFA, emphasized the program's significance in fostering community development and attracting further investment into Pennsylvania's diverse locales.

Funding Details

The available funding, valued at $4.5 million, consists of state tax credits authorized for sale by the legislature during the fiscal year 2017/18. PHFA has been designated to manage these funds, which are intended to award grants supporting mixed-use properties in commercial and retail zones that require revitalization efforts.

Eligible projects could include:

• - The rehabilitation of older buildings to support immediate reuse, enhancing community development objectives;
• - Preparing spaces for commercial build-outs and business leases;
• - The legal and structural transformation of existing buildings;
• - Creating additional housing units by merging various uses in newly constructed or renovated buildings.

Who Can Apply?

The RFP is open to a range of applicants, including local government units (like counties and cities), redevelopment authorities, for-profit entities, non-profit organizations, and economic development organizations. Notably, applications originating from third-class cities will receive preferential consideration during the proposal evaluation process this year.

Application Process

Interested parties can find the RFP on the PHFA website, and applications can be completed online. For additional inquiries, potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to Shelby Hartwick at PHFA.

This initiative highlights PHFA's ongoing commitment to enhancing affordable housing options for varied demographics in Pennsylvania, including low- to moderate-income families and individuals with special housing needs. Since its establishment in 1972, PHFA has played a pivotal role, securing over $21.6 billion for mortgage loans and supporting the construction of rental units across the state.

As per the agency's governance structure, it operates without relying on public tax dollars, instead funding its programs through securities sales and associated user fees. This denotes a sustainable approach to community and economic development, emphasizing PHFA’s mission and vision in bolstering affordable housing solutions while stimulating local economies.