A new bipartisan bill in the US Senate seeks to encourage transit-oriented development as a strategy to boost local economies and housing supply.
The Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act from Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) would allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Transportation to collaborate and prioritize projects that promote transit-oriented development.
The bill would extend the Transportation Infrastructure and Finance and Innovation Act and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing programs for five years and clarify the definition of “transit-oriented development.”
The bill would also implement a delegated lending model to retain federal oversight while enabling private sector input, and it would speed up processing timelines for project review and funding while providing relief on certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act, including for office-to-residential conversions and infill development. It would also encourage existing loan programs related to these developments to prioritize projects that involve attainable housing.
“Utah is growing quickly, and that growth must be paired with smart, coordinated transportation planning and more attainable housing,” said Curtis. “The Build HUBS Act helps us maximize transportation investments, makes better use of public land, and empowers local leaders to use existing infrastructure programs more effectively to build housing where it matters and makes sense.”
“Taking on our housing affordability crisis means using all the tools at our disposal,” added Blunt Rochester. “Investing in transit-oriented development will have a positive impact on housing affordability, local economies, and quality of life. It’s not enough to make communities more affordable, we must also work to make communities more livable – that’s what the Build HUBS Act does. I am proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition leading this bill, and I look forward to working with all our colleagues to advance our legislation.”
Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Friedman (D-CA).
