To direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to annually submit to the Congress a report that analyzes State and local strategies, activities, and plans that promote affordable housing, and for other purposes.
Impact
The annual report required by HB 2494 is expected to serve as a valuable resource for understanding the successful measures being taken by state and local governments to tackle the affordable housing crisis. By establishing a regulatory barriers clearinghouse, this legislation aims to collate and analyze data regarding housing-related laws and regulations, providing insights into their effectiveness. This could help in formulating federal responses to the crisis, ultimately aiding in significantly alleviating the housing burdens faced by many across the nation.
Summary
House Bill 2494 aims to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to submit an annual report to Congress analyzing state and local strategies, activities, and plans that promote affordable housing. It addresses the pressing national housing crisis, noting that millions of housing units are needed and many individuals are paying excessively for their housing. The bill acknowledges that states are primarily responsible for regulating issues related to affordable housing, suggesting the necessity for a federal review of effective state-level strategies that can be supported and potentially implemented on a larger scale.
Contention
Although the bill seeks to address a critical need, discussions around it may lead to various points of contention. Some stakeholders might question how effectively the report and any resulting policies will translate into meaningful change on the ground. There may also be differing opinions on state versus federal roles in addressing the housing crisis, with concerns about potential overreach or the adequacy of federal recommendations in adjusting existing state practices. Ultimately, as states engage in reforms, a singular federal approach may need to consider the diverse contexts of local housing markets.
To direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, to publish guidelines and best practices for State zoning and local zoning frameworks, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture to withdraw a final determination relating to energy efficiency standards for housing, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.
To establish a pilot program for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to evaluate the effectiveness of insuring mortgages made to finance improvements to convert basement spaces into safely habitable dwelling units, and for other purposes.
A bill to establish a new Housing and Urban Development grant program to provide community land trusts and other community-based housing organizations an incentive to convert vacant housing into readily available housing for unhoused individuals.