The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) has announced plans to implement significant workforce changes in early 2026, including the layoff of nearly 300 employees. These reductions, affecting a portion of the agency’s 1,200-person workforce, are part of a broader restructuring of how PHA handles maintenance and repair services across its affordable housing portfolio.

Instead of directly employing union electricians, carpenters, and other maintenance staff, PHA will now contract out these services as needed, aiming to streamline operations and reduce costs. According to PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, “This is a housing program, it is not a jobs program.” He estimates that reducing the 620-member maintenance staff by almost half could result in $24 million in annual savings.

PHA’s Ambitious Housing Plan

These staffing adjustments come as part of PHA’s $6.3 billion housing initiative, unveiled earlier this year. The program aims to:

• Expand the agency’s housing portfolio by 7,000 units

• Rehabilitate the 13,000 existing units

• Continue providing safe and affordable housing options to thousands of Philadelphia families

While the layoffs represent a major shift for agency employees, PHA emphasizes that the changes are designed to prioritize resources for housing development and maintenance, ensuring long-term benefits for residents.

As Philadelphia continues to address the challenges of affordable housing, these strategic changes underscore the agency’s commitment to modernizing operations and expanding housing opportunities throughout the city.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer