Bipartisan Bill Aims to Address Housing Shortage by Building More Housing Near Transit Projects

Strategic Insights -

Washington -- Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) have reintroduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act, a bipartisan legislation that seeks to address America's housing shortage by incentivizing local governments to build more housing near federally funded transit projects. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.). The bill aims to encourage cities to build housing when they expand or redevelop their public transit systems, which will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Build More Housing Near Transit Act would direct the Secretary of Transportation to provide a scoring boost to the competitive grant application of public transit projects that include housing development near new stations.
  • Currently, 47 percent of renter households are cost-burdened, meaning more than 30 percent of their income goes towards housing.
  • The legislation is endorsed by Up for Growth Action, the American Planning Association, and others.
  • The bill aims to spur better coordination of housing and transportation, promoting public transit projects that also increase mobility options and access to housing.
  • Local governments would be incentivized to build more housing near transit systems, encouraging high-density and mixed-use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis.
  • The Build More Housing Near Transit Act will connect more employees with jobs and boost economic output, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased public transit ridership.
  • The bill would make federal transportation projects more efficient and ensure federal dollars are used most effectively.

Statistics:

  • 47% of renter households are cost-burdened, meaning more than 30% of their income goes towards housing.
  • Transportation costs are often a household's second-largest expenditure after housing.
  • Building more housing in transit areas would help cut down on both costs.
  • The legislation aims to increase public transportation ridership and encourage the creation of more walkable, livable, and equitable communities.
  • The bill would enable more Americans to live closer to their jobs and other opportunities.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.)
  • U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.)
  • Up for Growth Action
  • American Planning Association
  • YIMBY Action
  • National Apartment Association (NAA)