Pappas Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Speed Up Housing Construction, Lower Costs

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) in introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Accelerating Home Building Act to support local governments in speeding up the permitting and home building process and lowering costs for Granite Staters. This legislation has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).

“It’s critical that all levels of government work together and listen to the needs of local communities to tackle the housing crisis that is hurting families, small businesses, and our economy. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation that would expand tools and resources for local governments, empowering them to cut red tape and ease the process of building more housing,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’ll continue supporting commonsense action to grow our affordable housing supply.”

“NAR is grateful that Representatives Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Accelerating Home Building Act to help address the nation’s housing affordability crisis through streamlined construction approval processes,” said Shannon McGahn, NAR Chief Advocacy Officer and Executive Vice President. “NAR recognizes that reducing regulatory barriers and streamlining approval processes are essential steps toward addressing the housing shortage affecting communities across the country. We support this legislation as part of comprehensive efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability.” 

Nationwide, communities are investing in a process called pattern zoning, in which architects and local governments develop pattern books full of pre-approved, standardized plans and designs. Specifically, this legislation would: 

• Establish a pilot HUD-administered grant program to fund the creation of pattern books with a focus on missing middle and infill construction; and
• Provide set-asides for rural communities and prioritize high-opportunity areas and localities working to reduce barriers to housing development.

This legislation is endorsed by the American Planning Association, Congress for the New Urbanism, Up for Growth Action, National Apartment Association, Smart Growth America, Main Street America, and the National Association of REALTORS. 

 You can view a one-pager on the legislation here and the full text of the bill here.

Background: 

Pappas is working to ensure Granite State communities have the resources they need to increase the affordable housing stock and tackle the housing crisis. Pappas helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support the financing and development of affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Last year Pappas and the New Hampshire delegation welcomed more than $30 million in federal grants to build more affordable housing across the Granite State.