Nevada Senate Passes Bill Expanding ‘Affordable Housing’ to Middle Class Renters

The Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act has cleared the state Senate and now heads to Governor Joe Lombardo’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. The bill expands the definition of ‘affordable housing’ to include middle-income renters.

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Key Vote In the Senate

On June 2, Nevada lawmakers passed the much-anticipated Housing Access and Attainability Act, which aims to address the state’s affordable housing crisis. Originally introduced by Governor Lombardo in April, the final bill reflects several amendments made during the legislative process. The revised legislation allocates $133 million in state funds for affordable housing initiatives, a reduction from the initial $200 million proposal.

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Expanded Income Limits

One of the bill’s most significant updates is the broader definition of affordable housing eligibility. Under the new criteria, applicants earning up to 150% of the area median income will now qualify for assistance. During an April legislative hearing, Jess Molasky, chief operating officer at Ovation Development, endorsed the bill, saying, “It gives the division a new tool to help projects that are financially feasible in every way except one, the gap between what it costs to build and what middle-income Nevadans can pay for rent.”

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Middle-Income Families Targeted

Supporters believe the legislation will offer essential relief to middle-income renters, a group often overlooked by traditional affordable housing programs. The bill is designed to help bridge the gap between market-rate construction costs and what working families can afford. Molasky emphasized that the bill’s provisions will allow the Nevada Housing Division to support projects that were previously unattainable due to financial constraints.

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78,000 Unit Shortfall

The legislation comes at a crucial time, as Nevada faces a critical shortage of affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the state is currently short by approximately 78,000 affordable units. The new funding and revised eligibility guidelines are expected to help narrow that gap, offering more housing options for low- and middle-income Nevadans.

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Prevailing Wage Issue Resolved

Governor Lombardo’s original proposal drew criticism for excluding affordable housing projects from prevailing wage requirements. Labor advocates and some lawmakers objected to the provision, arguing it would undercut worker wages on state-supported projects. The final version of the bill removed the exemption, a move that secured broader legislative support and helped push the bill through the Senate.

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Governor’s Signature Expected

The measure now awaits Governor Lombardo’s signature. He is widely expected to approve the amended bill, finalizing a major step toward addressing Nevada’s housing crisis. Once signed, the law will direct millions in state funds toward affordable housing projects and adjust eligibility thresholds to better serve middle-income households.

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Broader Housing Strategy

The passage of this bill marks one part of Nevada’s broader efforts to tackle housing affordability. Officials and advocates continue to call for additional policy changes and funding measures to address the long-standing shortage. Many believe this legislation, while significant, is only a first step in resolving the state’s housing challenges.