To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to award grants to eligible entities to select pre-reviewed designs of covered structures of mixed-income housing for use in the jurisdiction of the eligible entity, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5907, the Accelerating Home Building Act, aims to address the affordable housing shortage by authorizing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities for selecting pre-reviewed designs of mixed-income housing. These grants are intended to streamline the housing development process by utilizing standardized, pre-approved construction plans. The bill prioritizes rural areas by setting aside a minimum of 10% of grant funds for eligible entities located in those regions.
Expected Effects
The bill is expected to accelerate the construction of affordable and mixed-income housing by reducing the time and cost associated with design and permitting. This could lead to an increase in the availability of affordable housing options, particularly in high-opportunity and rural areas. The reporting requirements will also provide data on the effectiveness of pre-reviewed designs in boosting housing production.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlines housing development by using pre-reviewed designs.
- Increases the supply of affordable and mixed-income housing.
- Prioritizes housing development in rural areas.
- Encourages coordination between local, state, and regional entities.
- Provides data and best practices for affordable housing development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Grant funds cannot be used for construction, alteration, or repair work, potentially limiting the impact.
- Adoption of pre-reviewed designs is not guaranteed, and funds may need to be returned if designs are not adopted.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the quality and suitability of the pre-reviewed designs.
- The focus on pre-reviewed designs may stifle innovation in housing design.
- Limited funding may restrict the number of projects that can be supported.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting affordable housing and community development. It also respects the Tenth Amendment by allowing states and localities to implement the program according to their specific needs and priorities. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).