Housing across the country

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1318: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2544 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 216).

This bill establishes a five-year pilot program called "Hawaii Builds" within the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to address the state's shortage of affordable housing for middle-income families. The program allows the corporation to use up to $20 million per year from its revolving fund for predevelopment activities like land acquisition and design, while requiring interagency coordination to speed up project timelines. To qualify, projects must be located on sites with adequate infrastructure, preferably in residential zones, and ensure all units meet specific affordability standards. Additionally, the law mandates that at least one such pilot project be designated in each county to promote statewide participation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes a pilot program to address affordable housing shortages and funds predevelopment activities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 9, 2026

GM 1317: Informing the Legislature that on July 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2385 HD3 SD1 CD1 (ACT 215).

This bill, signed into law as Act 215, shifts the authority to approve general excise tax exemptions for affordable housing projects from individual counties to the state's Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation. Beginning January 1, 2027, the state agency will certify these tax incentives for developments that utilize county housing programs, aiming to better offset rising construction costs and interest rates. The legislation also grants counties expanded powers to develop, finance, and construct low- and moderate-income housing, including the ability to make loans, guarantee mortgages, and acquire land, while prohibiting counties from issuing state general obligation bonds for such projects. These changes are designed to leverage both state and local resources to address Hawaii's ongoing housing shortage by streamlining the approval process for affordable rental housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill centralizes tax exemption authority to offset rising construction costs, supporting affordable housing funding and fiscal management.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill centralizes tax exemption authority to better offset construction costs and interest rates for affordable housing projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Development

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2026

A 11637: Requires certain zoning changes that include the development of farmland or open spaces to be subject to approval under a referendum vote

Requires certain zoning changes that include the development of farmland or open spaces to be subject to approval under a referendum vote, approved by at least 60% of voters in the town, village, or city.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill restricts housing development by requiring supermajority referendums for zoning changes involving farmland or open spaces, potentially limiting housing supply.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 8, 2026

H 5560: An Act creating the engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments and households fund ("The ENOUGH Act")

This bill creates the ENOUGH Fund to support collaborative efforts aimed at reducing poverty in Massachusetts's most distressed neighborhoods. The fund will be administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and can be financed through state appropriations, donations, and interest earnings. It provides grants to place-based partnerships involving schools, local governments, and non-profits to develop comprehensive strategies that address needs such as housing, health, education, and job access. Eligible communities must have high concentrations of low-income residents or children living in poverty to qualify for these grants. The program includes specific funding tracks for partnership development, planning, and long-term implementation to ensure sustained community improvement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a fund to address housing needs in distressed neighborhoods through collaborative partnerships.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

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in committee · United States · House Jul 22, 2026

HR 9837: GET THE LEAD OUT Act of 2026

The GET THE LEAD OUT Act of 2026 establishes a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate lead-based pipe hazards in housing by providing federal grants to states and local governments for evaluating and removing lead pipes in affordable homes. This legislation mandates risk assessments and inspections for federally assisted housing, requires disclosure of lead pipe conditions during property sales, and creates a task force to develop financing standards and training for certified contractors. Additionally, the bill authorizes significant funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency to support these abatement efforts and public education campaigns.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds removal of lead pipes to reduce environmental pollution and protect public health.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds lead pipe removal in affordable housing, mandates safety inspections, and protects tenant health, directly strengthening housing quality and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Property Development

Sponsor Shontel M. Brown (D) · 1 co-sponsor

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5020: Improving Housing Performance Act

The Improving Housing Performance Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to conduct an independent study on how well manufactured homes withstand natural hazards like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. This study will evaluate current safety standards and installation practices specifically for homes located in high-risk areas to identify ways to improve their durability and safety. The bill requires the department to submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations for updating these standards, while also analyzing how such changes might affect the cost and affordability of manufactured homes. Additionally, the legislation mandates a strategy to improve data collection regarding how these homes perform during extreme weather events.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates a study to improve manufactured home safety and durability in high-risk areas, directly strengthening housing protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development

Sponsor Alex Padilla (D) · 1 co-sponsor

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in committee · United States · House Jul 9, 2026

HR 9625: Freedom to Build Act

The Freedom to Build Act creates a voluntary designation for local governments that adopt specific reforms to reduce barriers to housing construction. To qualify, a locality must either implement at least three reforms in each of three categories - such as allowing modern building methods, setting strict permit timelines, and eliminating rent control - or demonstrate sustained growth in its housing supply relative to local affordability. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will maintain a public list of these designated areas and review the required reforms every five years. Localities that lose their designation due to reversing reforms or failing supply targets receive a 180-day grace period to correct the issue before revocation. Additionally, the bill directs the Department to prioritize these designated communities when awarding competitive federal grants for housing and community development projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill aims to increase housing supply by removing construction barriers and incentivizing local reforms to boost affordable housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Renters

Sponsor Monica De La Cruz (R) · 1 co-sponsor

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in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9677: Grad Student Affordable Housing Act of 2026

The Grad Student Affordable Housing Act of 2026 directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to create a program offering rental assistance vouchers to graduate students. To qualify, students must be enrolled in graduate programs and meet specific income limits, which are set at $40,000 for dependents or independent individuals and $80,000 for families, with provisions for cost-of-living adjustments. Selected students receive vouchers that cover 80 percent of the fair market rental cost for their chosen housing. The bill requires students to apply through the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development within one year of the law's enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs HUD to create a funded rental assistance program for graduate students, increasing government spending on housing support.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides rental assistance to graduate students, enhancing their ability to access higher education and reducing financial barriers.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a new rental assistance voucher program for graduate students, directly funding affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Renters

Sponsor Valerie P. Foushee (D)

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in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9554: Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026

The Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026 creates a new tax credit for individuals aged 60 or older to help cover the costs of home modifications that improve accessibility and safety. This credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim up to $10,000 for expenses related to installing features such as wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, adding grab bars, and replacing bathroom fixtures. The amount of the credit is reduced based on the taxpayer's income, with the full benefit available to those earning less than $100,000 annually, and the law also authorizes $500 million in federal grants to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund additional home modification projects for older adults from 2027 through 2031.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit to reduce financial burden on seniors for home modifications, providing tax relief.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a tax credit to fund home modifications for seniors, directly supporting accessible housing and improving housing safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Property Development

Sponsor George Latimer (D)

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in committee · United States · House Jun 30, 2026

HR 9557: Ounce of Prevention Act

The Ounce of Prevention Act allows communities receiving federal Community Development Block Grants to use those funds for projects that reduce risks from weather-related disasters. This legislation expands the definition of eligible activities to include measures that protect health and welfare by lessening the impact of future hazards, such as building new structures or rehabilitating existing ones in high-risk areas. To support these efforts, the bill requires grantees to submit plans detailing how they will address specific disaster needs and mandates that the Department of Housing and Urban Development provide technical assistance. Additionally, the act permits communities to treat assisted housing units as a single structure for regulatory purposes and sets a deadline for the Secretary to issue new rules formalizing these mitigation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds disaster risk reduction and infrastructure resilience, which protects natural resources and reduces environmental damage from hazards.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands CDBG funds to include building and rehabilitating structures in high-risk areas, directly supporting housing development and protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development

Sponsor Sam T. Liccardo (D) · 7 co-sponsors

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