Congressman Mackenzie & Secretary Turner Highlight Local Projects, WFTC Benefits in Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA — Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, joined Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner for two stops in Bethlehem to highlight local investments, efforts to expand housing supplies, and benefits from the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). Housing affordability and supply have become important topics in the Lehigh Valley in recent years. Rent prices in Allentown rose 45% from 2019-2024 while Bethlehem experienced a 40% increase from 2019-2023.

Congressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner first visited Brinker Lofts in Bethlehem, which was built with the help of a federal opportunity zone — a tax tool which facilitates investments in economically distressed neighborhoods. Federal opportunity zones were first created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and were expanded and made permanent through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts. 

Following the visit to Brinker Lofts, Congressman Mackenzie and Secretary Turner hosted a press conference at the site of the future Gateway on Fourth project in Bethlehem. This project, which is funded with the help of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), will provide over 100 mixed-income apartments upon its completion. Expansions to LIHTC in the WFTC are expected to result in over 1 million new affordable housing units over the next decade. At the press conference, Congressman Mackenzie also announced that he had successfully steered $1 million in funding for the project through committee markup, setting it up for inclusion in an upcoming appropriations bill. 

“Our communities here in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos deserve access to high-quality housing that fits within our budgets,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “In Washington, Sec. Turner and I are tackling the housing shortage that emerged following the pandemic — embracing policies that expand the housing supply and bring down costs for the American people. We’re grateful to Sec. Turner for working with us to deliver long-term housing solutions for our communities.” 

"Opportunity Zones in the Lehigh Valley and across the Keystone State are expanding economic opportunity, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing homeownership opportunities," said HUD Secretary Turner. "Seeing the success of the Brinker Lofts project with Congressman Mackenzie is a testament to the innovative work that increased affordable housing in the Bethlehem community. Thanks to President Trump signing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law and making Opportunity Zones permanent, the revitalization I saw can continue to take root for generations, so more families across Pennsylvania can achieve the American Dream.”

Photos available HERE

Photo credit: Office of U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie

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