Healthy Affordable Housing Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2747

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Housing and Community Development

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2025-05-15T17:58:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Healthy Affordable Housing Act (H.R. 2747) aims to increase access to affordable housing in neighborhoods with limited housing options by funding the development, creation, or preservation of affordable homes near essential community services. It emphasizes "healthy" housing environments that support residents' well-being through proximity to health care, nutrition, child care, pharmacies, and transportation.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must create a grant and loan program within one year of the bill's enactment. Funds will support eligible entities in building, creating, or maintaining affordable housing units in areas identified as having shortages.
• Eligibility and Location Requirements:
• Projects must be in neighborhoods with at least one of the following amenities: a federally qualified health center (a community-based clinic serving underserved areas), a primary care provider accepting Medicaid (a government health insurance for low-income people), a grocery store accepting SNAP (food stamps) or WIC (nutrition aid for women, infants, and children) benefits, a licensed child care provider, a pharmacy, or public transportation.
• Preference is given to projects within one mile of two or more such amenities or in buildings that include them.
• Selection considers factors like the number of units created, neighborhood boundaries, and local median income (a measure of average earnings in the area).
• Resident Surveys and Reporting:
• Starting two years after a unit is first occupied, HUD will conduct voluntary surveys every two years for 10 years, asking residents about perceived benefits of living near these amenities.
• Surveys may include a control group of non-residents for comparison.
• HUD must submit reports to congressional committees (Appropriations and Financial Services in the House; Appropriations and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in the Senate) within one year of each survey, assessing if nearby amenities have closed or relocated.
• Flexibility Rules:
• Entities can apply for this funding alongside other HUD programs for affordable housing.
• Funded units can also receive rental assistance under Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act (a federal program providing vouchers or subsidies for low-income renters).
• Funding: Authorizes $100 million annually from fiscal years 2025 to 2029 for the program.
• Definitions:
• Eligible entities: Local governments (including counties), tribes or tribal housing groups, affordable housing owners/developers, public housing agencies (local entities managing subsidized housing), nonprofits focused on affordable housing, or combinations of these.
• Qualifying affordable dwelling unit: Housing that meets federal affordability standards under the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (generally for households earning up to 80% of area median income) and targets very low-income households (up to 50% of median income).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new HUD program focused on location-based affordable housing incentives, building on existing laws like the Cranston-Gonzalez Act (which defines affordable housing) and the U.S. Housing Act (for rental aid). It does not amend prior statutes directly but adds a targeted funding mechanism that prioritizes health and community access, which was not previously required in federal housing programs.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: HUD gains responsibility for program administration, applications, surveys, and congressional reporting, potentially increasing workload and requiring new resources. Local public housing agencies and nonprofits may see expanded roles in project delivery.
• On Citizens: Low- and very low-income individuals and families could gain better access to stable, affordable homes near vital services, potentially improving health outcomes, nutrition, child care access, and mobility. This may reduce barriers for vulnerable groups, such as Medicaid recipients or SNAP users.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic housing policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Low-Income Residents: Primary beneficiaries, including families relying on public assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC.
• Eligible Entities: Local governments, tribal organizations, housing developers, public housing agencies, and nonprofits, who can apply for and manage funds.
• Community Service Providers: Health centers, grocery stores, child care facilities, pharmacies, and transit authorities, as their presence influences project eligibility and longevity.
• HUD and Congress: HUD implements and evaluates the program; congressional committees receive oversight reports.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on established federal definitions for affordability and amenities, ensuring compatibility with existing housing laws. The voluntary nature of surveys respects privacy, avoiding potential Fourth Amendment (search and seizure) concerns. Funding authorization requires separate congressional appropriations, which could limit implementation if not approved.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it promotes equal access to housing under the general welfare clause (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution) without infringing on states' rights, as it involves voluntary local participation.
• Political: Highlights housing as a key social determinant of health (factors like location affecting well-being), potentially advancing equity goals for underserved communities. It may spark debates on federal spending priorities amid housing shortages, with preferences for amenity-rich areas possibly influencing urban planning and gentrification concerns.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2025-04-08: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-08: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Healthy Affordable Housing Act — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (8 pages)