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Committee hears overview of 21st Century Road to Housing Act and local implications
Summary
A staff presentation summarized the new 21st Century Road to Housing Act, noting it authorizes pilots and reforms (including a new 'attainable housing' definition) but largely lacks immediate funding and will require HUD implementing guidance and future appropriations.
Leslie presented a detailed, high-level overview of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act and the ways the law could affect local housing programs. She told the committee the act "became law on July 11 without the president's signature" and that HUD is the implementing agency, with coordination required across multiple federal agencies, including the FHA and Treasury.
Leslie stressed the distinction between authorization and funding: many programs are authorized but not funded, meaning implementation will depend on future congressional appropriations. She walked the committee through newly authorized pilots (small-dollar mortgage incentives, temperature-sensor tests, home-repair pilots), planning grants for cities, and a pilot to convert vacant buildings to "attainable housing." Leslie explained the act’s definition of "attainable housing" ties eligibility to an AMI formula that includes a 60% AMI component alongside higher thresholds in the same development.
The presentation also covered notable reforms that could directly affect city programs: for example, Leslie said the act would allow CDBG funds to be used for construction of new affordable housing, create incentives (the "Build Now Act") for cities demonstrating housing growth beginning in 2030, and require HUD to review Build America, Buy America (BABA) implementation within six months. She cautioned that HUD guidance is expected and that full implementation could take years.
Committee members asked technical questions about the new "attainable housing" term and AMI calculations; Leslie said HUD has not yet issued definitions beyond the statute and that the city will monitor guidance when it is released.
