Pittsburgh has never been afraid to reinvent itself.

From a global industrial powerhouse to a center of education, healthcare, technology and innovation, the city has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing realities while preserving its character and the values that make its neighborhoods unique.

Today, Pittsburgh has another opportunity to lead: becoming a national model for smart housing policy.

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh City Council is considering legislation that would expand the use of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, while housing experts, policymakers, community leaders, and advocates gather downtown for the national Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference to discuss the future of neighborhoods across America.

At AARP, we believe housing policy should help people remain connected to their families, neighborhoods and communities throughout their lives. That means creating options that are affordable, flexible and responsive to changing needs. It also means recognizing that the housing challenges facing older adults are often the same challenges facing young families, caregivers, essential workers and first-time homebuyers.

Pittsburgh, like many communities across the country, faces a housing shortage of more than 10,000 units. At the same time, most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age. AARP research consistently shows that approximately three-
quarters of adults age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Yet many residents find themselves caught between rising housing costs, limited housing inventory and homes that no longer meet their needs.

ADUs offer one practical solution.

Often known as in-law suites, carriage houses, garage apartments or backyard cottages, ADUs are small, independent homes located on the same property as a primary residence. They can provide space for an aging parent, a caregiver, an adult child saving for a first home or a homeowner seeking supplemental income. ADUs add flexibility without fundamentally changing the character of a neighborhood.

Importantly, Pittsburgh residents understand their value.

A recent AARP survey found that nearly eight in 10 Pittsburgh voters age 50 and older support making it easier for homeowners to create ADUs.

Pittsburgh now faces a choice, and it can adopt housing policies that reflect how people live today. Families are increasingly multigenerational, caregiving needs are growing and housing affordability remains a concern across age groups.

That is why AARP has invested heavily in research, education, policy development and advocacy around housing and livable communities. We have worked with local leaders across the country to identify practical solutions that increase housing supply, strengthen neighborhoods and support residents of all ages. Our resources, model policies and best practices help communities adapt to local needs, helping turn innovative ideas into actionable solutions.

As leaders gather for the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, Pittsburgh can share lessons from its own revitalization efforts while learning how other communities are turning vacant and underused properties into community assets.

The decisions being discussed this week will shape Pittsburgh for years to come. We believe they also offer Pittsburgh a chance to show the rest of the country how housing policy can support stronger families, stronger neighborhoods and stronger communities.

Colleen Cadman is the associate state director of advocacy and outreach for AARP Pennsylvania. Samar Jha is the government affairs director for AARP.