Housing is one of the hottest topics in the Lehigh Valley right now. On this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with two leaders on the frontlines:
We talk about: • Habitat’s 142 homes in the Valley and what it takes for families to qualify • The reality of transitional housing and how New Bethany is adapting programs to meet demand • The difference between affordable housing and attainable housing • The stigma around low-income housing and how nonprofits are working to change it • Habitat’s ReStores in Hellertown and Whitehall and how donations fuel more homebuilding
“No child should ever wonder where to lay their head at night.” — Gina Loiacono “At the end of the day, there is more power in the private sector than the public sector when it comes to housing.” — Marc Rittle
George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region’s housing challenges.
From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next.
“We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don’t have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz “If we don’t address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn
Housing Isn’t Just a Market Issue. It’s a Regional One.
Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley. In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work: Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.
“We’re anticipating that we’re going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that’s in addition to what we’ve already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz
But this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building the right kinds of homes in the right places.
“People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can’t always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz
“The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn
The Zoning Conversation We Need to Have
Much of the region’s housing strain comes down to barriers in zoning and local governance.
“We have 62 municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. And if you want to build a multifamily development, you’ve got to go through a very time-consuming process. And there’s a lot of resistance.” — Michael Bernadyn
“Communities want economic growth… but they don’t always want the housing that goes along with that.” — Jill Seitz
The solution? A shift in mindset—and a move toward regional thinking.
“Housing is not optional. It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s necessary if we want to keep growing.” — Jill Seitz
What’s Next?
The path forward requires policy alignment, regional cooperation, and a commitment to long-term solutions.
“We want to make sure that our municipalities are zoning for all types of housing. And that we’re working regionally to make sure there’s a place for everyone—whether that’s a first-time buyer, someone downsizing, or someone who wants to stay in their neighborhood as they age.” — Jill Seitz
“If we don’t start having these conversations now, and making changes now, the situation is going to get worse—and fast. But if we do act now, we can start to shift things in a better direction.” — Michael Bernadyn
This Episode Matters
This conversation isn’t just about housing markets. It’s about equity, sustainability, and what kind of future the Lehigh Valley wants to build.
