Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025
Summary
The "Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025" aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to incentivize affordable housing development near transit facilities through capital investment grants. The bill introduces the concept of 'pro-housing policies' which include actions like reducing parking minimums, establishing by-right approval processes for multi-family housing, and eliminating minimum lot sizes. These policies, if adopted by states and localities, could lead to increased housing density and affordability near transit corridors.
The Act allows the Secretary of Transportation to increase the rating of a project's justification if the applicant demonstrates documented evidence of pro-housing policies within walking distance of transit facilities. The Secretary must consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to evaluate the extent to which these policies will result in new housing production and preservation, particularly for low-income households.
Finally, the bill mandates the collection and reporting of information concerning projects that received adjusted ratings for project justification due to pro-housing policies, including the expected amount of housing units created and preserved.
Expected Effects
This Act is likely to increase the availability of affordable housing near public transportation. This will be achieved by incentivizing state and local governments to adopt pro-housing policies through the allocation of federal capital investment grants.
It will also streamline the approval process for multi-family housing developments that meet objective zoning and design standards. This could lead to faster and more predictable housing development timelines.
Furthermore, the Act will require greater transparency and data collection regarding the impact of pro-housing policies on housing production and affordability.
Potential Benefits
- Increased housing affordability near transit.
- Reduced reliance on automobiles and decreased traffic congestion.
- Stimulation of local economies through increased housing development.
- More efficient use of public transportation infrastructure.
- Greater housing density and reduced urban sprawl.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on existing infrastructure (schools, utilities) in areas with increased housing density.
- Possible displacement of existing residents due to rising property values.
- Increased traffic congestion if transit infrastructure is not adequately expanded.
- Potential for NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) opposition to increased housing density.
- Risk that 'objective' zoning standards could still be manipulated to exclude certain types of housing or residents.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it aims to promote affordable housing and improve public transportation. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
The Act respects the principles of federalism by incentivizing, rather than mandating, state and local action on housing policy. This allows states and localities to tailor their policies to their specific needs and circumstances.
However, the delegation of authority to the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to define and evaluate 'pro-housing policies' could raise concerns about the non-delegation doctrine if the standards are not sufficiently clear and specific.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).