Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Scott Peters (D-CA), alongside Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Jim Banks (R-IN), have reintroduced the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act to address the U.S. housing shortage. The bill seeks to tie federal transit funding to pro-housing policies near transit corridors, aiming to ease pressure on housing supply and reduce commuting burdens.
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Housing Crisis By The Numbers
The U.S. faces a deficit of 7.1 million affordable rental homes, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Utah alone lacks over 48,000 homes for extremely low-income renters. While Utah’s permitting rates exceed the national average, they still fall short of demand, especially as the state continues to grow rapidly.
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Incentives For Smart Growth
The bill proposes that federal funding for major transit projects be linked to local and state efforts to reduce zoning restrictions and support housing near new bus or rail lines. Moore emphasized Utah’s leadership in this space, stating, “Utah is a victim of its success,” and noting that quality of life and job growth have driven up housing prices, especially for young families and military personnel.
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Policy Details And Mechanism
The bill aims to amend U.S. Code Section 5309, which governs federal capital investment grants. It would:
- Allow the Department of Transportation to give higher ratings to transit projects if nearby pro-housing policies exist.
- Define such policies as those removing regulatory barriers, easing lot size or parking minimums, streamlining multi-family housing approval, and supporting affordable development on public land.
- Involve the Department of Housing and Urban Development in evaluating the quality of these housing policies.
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Boosting Transit And Affordability
Supporters believe the bill creates a dual benefit: expanding affordable housing and increasing public transit use. Peters argued, “The cost of housing remains the greatest barrier to prosperity in California,” and that the bill will “get more cars off the road” while increasing family housing options.
Senator Schatz added, “The clearest way out of our national housing shortage is by building more housing,” asserting the bill promotes sustainability, growth, and access to homes.
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Strong Backing Across States
Utah leaders and national housing advocates have praised the bill. Carlton Christensen of the Utah Transit Authority called it “important legislation” for fast-growing regions. Andrew Gruber of the Wasatch Front Regional Council said it encourages but does not mandate pro-housing policies and makes Utah more competitive for federal support.
Connect Public Transit CEO Todd Beutler said the bill “aligns housing policy with transportation investment,” while Mike Kingsella of Up for Growth Action hailed it as “a critical link between transportation and housing.”
NHC CEO David Dworkin stated the legislation would “unlock supply and smarter, more efficient development.” Alex Armlovich of the Niskanen Center said it would protect taxpayers from wasteful investments in low-density transit areas and “restore bipartisan confidence in America’s mass transit investments.”
