A bipartisan bill would give local and state governments the expert guidance they need to reform outdated rules that slow the creation of new housing inventory, NAR says.

Federal lawmakers took a significant bipartisan step this month toward addressing the nation’s housing supply crisis.  

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act—introduced in the Senate by Sens. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del.; John Fetterman, D-Pa.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and in the House by Reps. Brittany Pettersen, D-Colo. and Mike Flood, R-Neb.—offers a framework for state and local governments to modernize outdated zoning and land-use regulations that hinder new housing development.

Putting the American Dream Within Reach

“The rising cost of housing is putting the American dream out of reach for working families across our country,” said Rep. Flood in an April 10 announcement introducing the legislation. “We need an all-of-the-above approach to addressing America's housing crisis. To this end, the [HSFA] helps establish suggested best practices for state and local governments across the country [that] want to break down barriers holding back development and innovation in housing and construction.”

The bill would not impose federal mandates. Instead, it would equip communities with expert guidance, technical assistance and best practices to enable smart, locally driven policy reforms that increase the housing supply across all income levels.

“The National Association of REALTORS® is proud to support the Housing Supply Frameworks Act,” says NAR's Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn. “This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed leadership and guidance to help communities overcome barriers to housing development. By encouraging smart, locally driven reforms, HSFA will play a vital role in addressing our nation’s housing shortage and help expand access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities.”

The bill has garnered support from over 140 housing and planning organizations, including the National Association of Home Builders, National Apartment Association, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Planning Association. Its introduction comes amid growing concern over the lack of affordable housing, with restrictive local zoning cited as one of the biggest impediments to boosting supply.

Local Issues Demand Local Solutions

“From major cities to rural towns, the impacts of America’s housing crisis are being felt by everyone,” said Sen. Blunt Rochester in the April 10 announcement. “This bill helps communities take action by removing red tape and fostering pro-housing reforms.”

NAR has long advocated for local solutions to housing challenges, including zoning modernization, infrastructure investment, and incentives for affordable development. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act aligns closely with these priorities and represents the kind of forward-thinking, bipartisan cooperation needed to address the housing shortage head-on, McGahn says, adding, "NAR looks forward to working with lawmakers, HUD and local leaders to support this legislation and the solutions it will bring to communities nationwide.”

Source: "Housing Supply Frameworks Act Would Break Down Barriers to Housing Development"