- The Housing for the 21st Century Act is the House’s counterpart to the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act. Both aim to reduce barriers to new housing construction.
- Key provisions include federal zoning guidance, streamlined environmental reviews, and updated FHA loan limits for multifamily housing.
- Industry groups have shown strong support, praising the bill’s potential to ease the housing shortage and spur development.
A Bipartisan Push to Expand Housing
In a move to address the nation’s housing crisis, a bipartisan group in the House has introduced the Housing for the 21st Century Act, per Multi-housing News. The bill is backed by Representatives French Hill (R-Ark.), Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), Mike Flood (R-Neb.), and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.).
Notably, this proposal serves as the House version of the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act. That earlier proposal was included in the National Defense Authorization Act but was later removed by the House. Lawmakers now say they’ll work to advance this new version in 2026.
What the Bill Proposes
The 120-page legislation lays out a range of reforms. These are designed to boost multifamily housing supply and make it easier for developers to move forward. Key provisions include:
- Federal zoning reform guidance: HUD would create recommendations to help states and localities modernize outdated zoning laws.
- Environmental review exemptions: Certain multifamily projects would be exempt from lengthy environmental assessments, speeding up approvals.
- Redefining manufactured homes: The bill expands the federal definition to include modern, factory-built housing types.
- FHA loan limit updates: The proposal adjusts the maximum loan amounts for multifamily projects insured by the FHA to reflect today’s development costs.
Together, these changes aim to lower the cost and complexity of new housing development.
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Strong Support From the Industry
So far, the proposal has been met with widespread support from housing industry leaders. For example, Matthew Berger of the National Multifamily Housing Council called the legislation a “tremendous step forward.” He added that it removes key barriers that have stalled new construction.
Similarly, Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, voiced support. He emphasized the need to align House and Senate efforts to create a unified path forward.
Meanwhile, Owen Caine of the National Apartment Association praised the bill’s structure. He noted that the legislation provides both immediate help for families and long-term tools to increase housing availability.
Why This Matters
Across the country, cities continue to face a serious housing shortage. At the same time, affordability remains a growing concern for renters and homebuyers alike. As a result, federal lawmakers are increasingly focused on how to unlock new housing supply.
This legislation represents one of the most comprehensive federal housing efforts in recent years. By modernizing zoning rules, redefining housing types, and adjusting financing tools, the bill could help remove long-standing development roadblocks.
What Comes Next
Although the timeline for passage remains unclear, the bill’s bipartisan backing gives it a strong chance in 2026. Industry groups have already committed to supporting negotiations between the House and Senate.
If passed, the Housing for the 21st Century Act could mark a turning point in national housing policy—offering developers more flexibility and helping communities meet growing housing demand.
