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Federal Housing Policy Update from UFGA
We are nearly three months into the new Congress and Administration, and there is much to unpack. In Congress, the introduction of three UFGA signature bills is imminent:
- Reducing Regulatory Barriers to Housing Act (RRBHA)
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Housing Frameworks and Innovation Act (formerly the YIMBY Act)
Collectively, this trio of bipartisan bills represents meaningful federal policy change in the land use and zoning space. Importantly, they support and incentivize cities and states to proactively pursue local pro-housing reforms without preempting local control.
The new YIMBY Caucus is set to formally kick off its activities in the 119th Congress in April. Member recruitment continues to be successful with strong interest from both parties. Next month, we’ll share the full slate of briefings and witnesses we’ve been working on behind the scenes.
We are proactively meeting with Administration and HUD officials to discuss policy priorities and identify areas for collaboration. Secretary Turner has indicated strong support for increasing housing supply, however, potential HUD staffing reductions, cuts to key programs, and policies that increase construction costs could unintentionally undermine supply and affordability goals. We are communicating with them at every opportunity to ensure housing supply remains a top priority and are optimistic that we will find common ground.