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Pocono Chamber Public Policy Meeting Highlights Housing, Infrastructure, and Regional Development Updates
Stroudsburg, PA – March 6, 2026 – The Pocono Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee convened on Friday, March 6, bringing together federal, state, county, and municipal leaders alongside regional partners to discuss legislative priorities, infrastructure improvements, housing initiatives, and economic development activity impacting Monroe County and the greater Pocono region.
Legislative Updates Highlight Funding Opportunities and Policy Discussions
Tyler Day, representing Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s office, shared that the federal Community Project Funding program opened earlier than anticipated, with notices distributed to more than 1,000 stakeholders across the district. Applications were due March 6. Congressman Bresnahan is also monitoring developments surrounding a new federal Farm Bill currently moving through committee, which includes efforts to revive a farm-to-food bank program designed to support local farmers while helping feed communities in need.
Senator Rosemary Brown’s office reported that state budget hearings recently concluded, with Senator Brown participating as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In addition to evaluating funding requests and agency budgets, the Senator recently announced support for a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development while introducing a legislative package aimed at ensuring stronger safeguards for residents and infrastructure as new proposals emerge. Concerns around water usage, energy capacity, zoning protections, and transparency have been central to the discussion.
Representative Maureen Madden’s office shared updates from several recent and upcoming initiatives, including a community town hall held last weekend at Northampton Community College’s Pocono Campus that addressed stormwater management, workforce housing, and regional priorities. Representative Madden also recognized local leaders and organizations during a recent Monroe Matters television segment in honor of Women’s History Month. The office will host an unclaimed property assistance event on March 17 and is advancing legislation that would establish dementia training requirements for emergency medical service providers.
Representative Tarah Probst’s office also announced plans to host a roundtable discussion on attainable housing at East Stroudsburg High School South later this month.
County Leaders Discuss Housing Policy, Assessments, and Community Initiatives
Monroe County Commissioners provided updates on ongoing discussions related to housing policy and property assessment challenges. Officials noted interest in potential legislative adjustments that could provide additional flexibility for accessory dwelling units and housing arrangements such as the “Golden Girls Law,” which allows more flexible shared housing arrangements. Commissioners also discussed concerns surrounding the state’s common level ratio and how it is applied equally to residential and commercial properties, sometimes creating valuation imbalances that could lead to the need for reassessment. At the same time, Monroe County continues planning for upcoming America250 community events and exploring expanded re-entry programming within the county correctional system to help reduce recidivism.
Municipal Updates Reflect Local Infrastructure and Community Investment
Municipal leaders across Monroe County shared updates on projects and community programming underway in their communities. Stroud Township reported preparations for spring operations, including infrastructure improvements, bridge replacement work on Poplar Valley East, and new equipment purchases to support road maintenance efforts, while Glen Brook Golf Course is expected to open later this month, weather permitting. Pocono Township highlighted several upcoming community events, including a Movie Night at the Park and a community egg hunt in partnership with Monroe County Children and Youth, while also advancing infrastructure initiatives such as the Route 715 Realignment Project, drainage improvements at Laurel Lake, and new adaptive traffic signal technology designed to reduce seasonal congestion. Smithfield Township continues work on zoning updates addressing high-density residential development and data center placement while reviewing new commercial development proposals near the Route 209 and Route 447 corridor. Middle Smithfield Township announced upcoming community events, including its annual Eggstravaganza at Resica Park, and is currently accepting applications for its Revitalize 209 grant program.
Regional Partners Share Updates on Economic Development, Housing, and Transportation
The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation reported new infrastructure grant applications tied to improvements near Interstate 80 exits 298 and 299 and noted growing interest from companies exploring expansion opportunities in the region. Northeast Pennsylvania was recently recognized for the sixth consecutive year in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s cup rankings as a top location for business development.
Housing and real estate leaders shared February market statistics showing 222 residential sales in Monroe County, down from 305 during the same period last year. While sales declined, housing inventory remains tight with just over 1,100 active listings, and median sales prices held near $295,000, reflecting continued pressure in the regional housing market.
Transportation officials from the Monroe County Transportation Authority reported that ten new paratransit vehicles have been delivered and will begin service this month, with five additional fixed-route buses expected to arrive later this spring.
Community organizations highlighted new housing stability and workforce initiatives as well. Pocono Mountains United Way announced a new rental assistance program that has already helped several families remain in their homes, while the Community Foundation of Monroe County shared updates on new funding collaborations focused on workforce development, aging services, and community investment.
Chamber Advocacy and Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
“These conversations help ensure the voice of business remains part of the policy discussions shaping our region,” said Kristine Bush, Chair of the Pocono Chamber Public Policy Committee and Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Chamber also highlighted several upcoming events, including the annual Legislative Luncheon on March 10 at Camelback Resort, a Women in Business event on March 25 at the Fusia Center for the Arts, and the Youth Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for April 17 at Monroe Career & Technical Institute.
The Public Policy Committee will meet next on April 10 at 9:00 a.m.
About the Pocono Chamber: The Pocono Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading advocate for economic growth in the Pocono Mountains region, supporting organizations of all sizes while fostering collaboration among employers, government officials, and community partners. A proud partner of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, it is part of a network of nearly 5,000 members employing more than 200,000 people, forming the largest chamber organization in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Legislative Updates Highlight Funding Opportunities and Policy Discussions
Tyler Day, representing Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s office, shared that the federal Community Project Funding program opened earlier than anticipated, with notices distributed to more than 1,000 stakeholders across the district. Applications were due March 6. Congressman Bresnahan is also monitoring developments surrounding a new federal Farm Bill currently moving through committee, which includes efforts to revive a farm-to-food bank program designed to support local farmers while helping feed communities in need.
Senator Rosemary Brown’s office reported that state budget hearings recently concluded, with Senator Brown participating as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In addition to evaluating funding requests and agency budgets, the Senator recently announced support for a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development while introducing a legislative package aimed at ensuring stronger safeguards for residents and infrastructure as new proposals emerge. Concerns around water usage, energy capacity, zoning protections, and transparency have been central to the discussion.
Representative Maureen Madden’s office shared updates from several recent and upcoming initiatives, including a community town hall held last weekend at Northampton Community College’s Pocono Campus that addressed stormwater management, workforce housing, and regional priorities. Representative Madden also recognized local leaders and organizations during a recent Monroe Matters television segment in honor of Women’s History Month. The office will host an unclaimed property assistance event on March 17 and is advancing legislation that would establish dementia training requirements for emergency medical service providers.
Representative Tarah Probst’s office also announced plans to host a roundtable discussion on attainable housing at East Stroudsburg High School South later this month.
County Leaders Discuss Housing Policy, Assessments, and Community Initiatives
Monroe County Commissioners provided updates on ongoing discussions related to housing policy and property assessment challenges. Officials noted interest in potential legislative adjustments that could provide additional flexibility for accessory dwelling units and housing arrangements such as the “Golden Girls Law,” which allows more flexible shared housing arrangements. Commissioners also discussed concerns surrounding the state’s common level ratio and how it is applied equally to residential and commercial properties, sometimes creating valuation imbalances that could lead to the need for reassessment. At the same time, Monroe County continues planning for upcoming America250 community events and exploring expanded re-entry programming within the county correctional system to help reduce recidivism.
Municipal Updates Reflect Local Infrastructure and Community Investment
Municipal leaders across Monroe County shared updates on projects and community programming underway in their communities. Stroud Township reported preparations for spring operations, including infrastructure improvements, bridge replacement work on Poplar Valley East, and new equipment purchases to support road maintenance efforts, while Glen Brook Golf Course is expected to open later this month, weather permitting. Pocono Township highlighted several upcoming community events, including a Movie Night at the Park and a community egg hunt in partnership with Monroe County Children and Youth, while also advancing infrastructure initiatives such as the Route 715 Realignment Project, drainage improvements at Laurel Lake, and new adaptive traffic signal technology designed to reduce seasonal congestion. Smithfield Township continues work on zoning updates addressing high-density residential development and data center placement while reviewing new commercial development proposals near the Route 209 and Route 447 corridor. Middle Smithfield Township announced upcoming community events, including its annual Eggstravaganza at Resica Park, and is currently accepting applications for its Revitalize 209 grant program.
Regional Partners Share Updates on Economic Development, Housing, and Transportation
The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation reported new infrastructure grant applications tied to improvements near Interstate 80 exits 298 and 299 and noted growing interest from companies exploring expansion opportunities in the region. Northeast Pennsylvania was recently recognized for the sixth consecutive year in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s cup rankings as a top location for business development.
Housing and real estate leaders shared February market statistics showing 222 residential sales in Monroe County, down from 305 during the same period last year. While sales declined, housing inventory remains tight with just over 1,100 active listings, and median sales prices held near $295,000, reflecting continued pressure in the regional housing market.
Transportation officials from the Monroe County Transportation Authority reported that ten new paratransit vehicles have been delivered and will begin service this month, with five additional fixed-route buses expected to arrive later this spring.
Community organizations highlighted new housing stability and workforce initiatives as well. Pocono Mountains United Way announced a new rental assistance program that has already helped several families remain in their homes, while the Community Foundation of Monroe County shared updates on new funding collaborations focused on workforce development, aging services, and community investment.
Chamber Advocacy and Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
“These conversations help ensure the voice of business remains part of the policy discussions shaping our region,” said Kristine Bush, Chair of the Pocono Chamber Public Policy Committee and Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Chamber also highlighted several upcoming events, including the annual Legislative Luncheon on March 10 at Camelback Resort, a Women in Business event on March 25 at the Fusia Center for the Arts, and the Youth Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for April 17 at Monroe Career & Technical Institute.
The Public Policy Committee will meet next on April 10 at 9:00 a.m.
About the Pocono Chamber: The Pocono Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading advocate for economic growth in the Pocono Mountains region, supporting organizations of all sizes while fostering collaboration among employers, government officials, and community partners. A proud partner of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, it is part of a network of nearly 5,000 members employing more than 200,000 people, forming the largest chamber organization in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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