U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) have introduced the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act in an effort to encourage housing construction near transportation hubs. The legislation is designed to make it easier for local governments to pursue transit-oriented development (TOD) projects by streamlining federal infrastructure loan programs. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Friedman (D-CA) have introduced companion legislation in the House.
The bill aims to improve coordination between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation, prioritizing projects that combine housing with public transit access. According to Senator Curtis, “Utah is growing quickly, and that growth must be paired with smart, coordinated transportation planning and more attainable housing. 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.”
Senator Blunt Rochester added, “Taking on our housing affordability crisis means using all the tools at our disposal. 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.”
Representative Friedman commented on regulatory barriers: “Too many communities are ready to build near transit but are blocked from securing the investments they need by unnecessary red tape. The Build HUBS Act breaks out the scissors and gives local governments the flexibility and tools to build more housing near jobs, services, and public transportation. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan step to address our housing shortage and create more connected, sustainable communities.”
Representative Lawler emphasized efficiency: “The Build HUBS Act is one of many bipartisan bills I’m proud to support to help tackle the housing affordability crisis. By making it easier for communities to build more housing near transit and align housing and transportation investments, we can move projects forward more efficiently. This bicameral, bipartisan effort expands workforce housing, strengthens local economies, and helps families live closer to where they work.”
Transit-oriented development seeks dense residential or mixed-use neighborhoods close to public transport stations as a way of increasing land use efficiency while providing better access for residents. Federal programs like TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act) and RRIF (Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing) were amended previously for TOD eligibility but have faced implementation challenges; this new legislation addresses those gaps.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated support for these updates: “Utah has asked neighborhoods and cities to plan for growth around our transit stations…these updates…will add flexibility and accelerate construction.” Andrew Gruber from Wasatch Front Regional Council said: “By making targeted adjustments…this legislation better aligns these federal financing tools…to accommodate transit-oriented development.” Carlton Christensen from Utah Transit Authority called TOD essential for Utah’s future growth.
Several national organizations expressed their endorsement of the bill:
Bob Pinnegar from National Apartment Association said: “By reducing red tape in development, this bill increases housing supply…and delivers more apartments faster where communities need them most.”
Sharon Wilson Géno from National Multifamily Housing Council noted that changes could facilitate production of over 100,000 new rental units.
Jeffrey D. DeBoer from The Real Estate Roundtable highlighted expanded low-interest loans as a way of increasing affordable options nationwide.
Mike Kingsella from Up for Growth Action described how aligning funding programs with TOD could unlock new supply in high-demand areas.
Sarah Brundage from National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders said: “The Build HUBS Act makes critical improvements…including by creating opportunities for more public-private partnerships.”
Buddy Hughes from National Association of Home Builders pointed out improved financing options would help builders increase supply near transit routes.
The bill has received endorsements from numerous organizations involved in urban planning, real estate finance, affordable housing advocacy groups as well as municipal associations.
A summary document about the bill is available online along with its full text.
