H.R. 4576: Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025, aims to encourage the development of affordable housing near public transit areas by modifying existing federal grant policies. Here is a breakdown of its key provisions:

Modification of Capital Investment Grants

The bill proposes changes to the criteria used in federal capital investment grants, which fund various transportation projects. Specifically, it will:

• Introduce Pro-Housing Policies: It defines "pro-housing policy" as any state or local action that removes barriers to constructing or preserving housing, with a focus on affordable housing. Examples include:
  • Reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements for new developments
  • Implementing a streamlined approval process for multi-family housing that does not involve subjective decisions from public officials
  • Reducing minimum lot sizes for residential properties
  • Utilizing public real estate for developments that include affordable housing units
  • Raising height limits for residential properties to allow more units
  • Applying other policies as determined by federal housing authorities

Rating Adjustment for Projects

The bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to give project proposals a higher rating if they are supported by documented pro-housing policies. This can lead to a more favorable evaluation of the project's justification under federal funding criteria. Specifically, if an applicant can provide evidence of pro-housing policies for areas close to transit routes, their project can receive an increased score on a five-point scale during assessments.

Consultation with Housing Authorities

The bill mandates that when awarding these increased ratings, the Secretary of Transportation must collaborate with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. They will work together to ensure that the pro-housing policies documented by applicants will realistically meet housing demand in the area.

Transparency and Reporting

Finally, the bill calls for increased transparency by requiring applicants to report on pro-housing policies they submitted, including expected outcomes regarding the number of new affordable housing units that would result from these policies.

Relevant Companies

None found