Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4576
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Housing and Community Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-03T09:05:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025" (H.R. 4576) aims to encourage the development of affordable housing near public transit by linking federal transit funding incentives to local policies that reduce barriers to housing construction. It seeks to integrate housing and transportation planning to address housing shortages in transit-accessible areas.
Key Provisions
- Definition of "Pro-Housing Policy": Adds a new term in Section 5309(a) of title 49, U.S. Code, defining it as state or local actions that remove regulatory barriers to building or preserving housing, including affordable units. Examples include:
- Reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements for developments.
- Implementing "by-right approval" processes for multi-family housing, where approvals are based solely on objective, pre-published standards (no subjective decisions by officials).
- Reducing or eliminating minimum lot sizes for residential builds.
- Committing public land to housing projects with a significant portion affordable to low-income households.
- Raising height limits or increasing allowed dwelling units under by-right processes.
- Other policies determined by the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Incentive for Project Ratings: Amends Section 5309(g)(2) to allow the Secretary of Transportation to increase a transit project's "project justification" rating by 1 point (on a 5-point scale from low to high) if the applicant provides evidence of pro-housing policies in areas within walking distance of the proposed transit route. The Secretary must consult with HUD to evaluate how these policies could lead to new or preserved housing units, including affordable ones, matching expected demand over the project's life.
- Reporting Requirements: Updates Section 5309(o) to require applicants to report details on any pro-housing policies submitted for rating adjustments, including the policies themselves and projected housing outcomes (e.g., number of units, especially affordable ones).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands eligibility criteria for federal capital investment grants under the Federal Transit Administration's programs (which fund major transit projects like bus rapid transit or rail extensions).
- Introduces a new scoring bonus tied to housing-friendly policies, shifting from purely transit-focused evaluations to ones that reward integrated land-use planning.
- Mandates inter-agency consultation between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and HUD, formalizing collaboration on housing impacts.
- Adds transparency through required reporting, which was not previously specified for housing-related incentives.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DOT and HUD will need to develop evaluation methodologies, potentially increasing administrative workload but streamlining funding for projects that align housing and transit goals. Local transit agencies may see easier access to grants if they partner with pro-housing local governments.
- On Citizens: Could lead to more affordable housing options near transit, reducing commuting costs and improving access for low-income residents. However, it might accelerate development in urban areas, potentially affecting neighborhood character or property values.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as this is a domestic transportation and housing policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Transit Agencies and Applicants: Public transit authorities applying for federal grants, who benefit from higher ratings if they demonstrate nearby pro-housing efforts.
- Local and State Governments: Municipalities and states implementing zoning changes, which could qualify projects for bonuses but require policy shifts like easing development rules.
- Housing Developers and Low-Income Households: Developers gain from reduced barriers; low-income residents could see more affordable units near transit, addressing housing affordability.
- Federal Agencies: DOT (overseeing grants) and HUD (providing housing expertise), influencing how funds are allocated.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal incentives for local land-use reforms without mandating them, respecting state and local autonomy under the 10th Amendment (which reserves powers to states). The objective standards in by-right approvals could reduce legal challenges to zoning decisions by minimizing discretion.
- Constitutional: No major issues identified; it promotes cooperative federalism by tying funding to voluntary local actions, avoiding coercion.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan priorities like affordable housing and infrastructure, but may face opposition from groups concerned about rapid development or loss of local control over zoning. It aligns with broader efforts to combat housing shortages through transit-oriented growth, potentially influencing future urban policy debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-07-21: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-07-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-21 — PDF (5 pages)