Revitalize Our Neighborhoods Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6217

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Housing and Community Development

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2026-02-03T09:05:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Revitalize Our Neighborhoods Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide competitive grants to state, local, and multi-jurisdictional entities. The main goal is to fund activities that remove blighted (deteriorated and unsafe) structures and support the revitalization of low-income neighborhoods, ultimately improving living conditions and promoting affordable housing.

Key Provisions

• Grant Authority and Eligibility: HUD can award grants on a competitive basis to states, units of general local government (e.g., cities, counties), or multi-jurisdictional entities (groups of local governments working together). Grants must target low-income communities, defined as areas with significant poverty levels under federal tax code standards.
• Eligible Activities: Funds can support:
• Demolition, clearance, and removal of blighted or abandoned structures.
• Boarding up vacant properties.
• Deconstruction (dismantling for reuse) of buildings.
• Waste removal, site cleanup, and management of vacant land.
• Renovation of blighted or abandoned structures.
• Building or preserving affordable rental or owner-occupied housing (meeting federal affordability standards).
• Administrative costs, limited to 10% of the grant for staffing and compliance.
• Subgranting Options: Recipients can pass funds to land banks (government or nonprofit entities that manage and sell problem properties) or Community Housing Development Organizations (nonprofits focused on affordable housing). States can also subgrant to local governments in low-income areas.
• Restrictions: Grants cannot be used to buy occupied homes.
• Matching Funds Requirement: Recipients must provide matching funds equal to at least 15% of the grant amount, which can come from federal programs, applicant contributions, or proceeds from selling renovated properties.
• Application Process: Applicants must submit a detailed 5-year plan outlining targeted low-income areas, specific activities, timelines (with all funds spent within 5 years), and matching fund sources. HUD sets selection criteria.
• Coordination and Support: Grants can be used alongside other federal programs like Community Development Block Grants or Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. HUD provides technical assistance (using up to 5% of appropriated funds) throughout the grant period.
• Reporting Requirements:
• Grantees submit annual reports (starting 15 months after award) on fund use, investments, geographic distribution, assisted families, and progress, which HUD makes publicly available online.
• The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will issue an initial report 3 years after awards begin (covering plans, impacts, challenges) and a final report 6 years later (on outcomes and recommendations).
• Definitions: Key terms include "blighted" (structures posing health/safety risks), "abandoned" (delinquent payments or uninhabitable without fixes), "unoccupied" (vacant and not actively marketed), and others to clarify program scope.
• Funding and Implementation: Authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. HUD can issue regulations as needed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new standalone grant program under HUD, separate from but complementary to existing initiatives like the Community Development Block Grant or HOME Investment Partnership programs. It does not amend prior laws but creates fresh authority for blight-focused grants with specific matching, planning, and reporting rules, potentially expanding federal support for urban renewal beyond current frameworks.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: HUD gains administrative responsibilities for grant oversight, competitions, technical assistance, and public reporting, which could increase workload and require new resources. State and local governments may see streamlined access to blight removal funds, enabling faster neighborhood improvements.
• Citizens: Residents in low-income areas could benefit from safer, cleaner environments through reduced blight, more affordable housing options, and economic revitalization, potentially lowering health risks and boosting property values. However, implementation depends on local priorities and matching funds.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. communities, including territories.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Low-Income Communities and Residents: Primary beneficiaries, gaining from blight elimination and affordable housing.
• State and Local Governments: Eligible recipients responsible for applying, matching funds, and executing projects.
• Land Banks and Community Housing Development Organizations: Key partners for subgrants and on-the-ground implementation.
• HUD and Federal Oversight Bodies: HUD administers the program; GAO evaluates its effectiveness.
• Nonprofits and Developers: Involved in renovation, construction, and coordination with other federal housing programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes clear eligibility, prohibitions (e.g., no occupied home acquisitions), and accountability through matching requirements and detailed reporting, reducing risks of misuse while allowing flexibility via HUD regulations. Definitions ensure consistent application across jurisdictions.
• Constitutional: Relies on Congress's spending power to fund community development, with no apparent conflicts; it promotes general welfare by addressing urban decay without infringing on individual rights.
• Political: Could foster bipartisan support for housing and anti-blight efforts in underserved areas, but success hinges on appropriations and local buy-in. The 5-year planning and GAO oversight promote transparency, potentially influencing future federal 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. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Revitalize Our Neighborhoods Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (12 pages)