RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9032
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 9032: RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to create a pilot grant program for renovating and developing "third spaces," defined as public areas that support social, cultural, and economic activities but are not primarily residences or workplaces. The program aims to address the loss of communal spaces in urban and rural areas by funding projects that promote equity, reduce social isolation, and support local economies.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Grant Program Establishment: The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services, must set up a pilot to award grants to eligible entities.
- Grant Priorities: Awards focus on projects that strengthen local economies and reduce social isolation.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must provide documentation of community history and past inequities, plus plans for community involvement in design, ensuring benefits without worsening disparities, and preserving local culture, history, and identity.
- Use of Funds: Grants cover pre-development activities like community engagement and feasibility studies, as well as construction costs for renovation or new development.
- Equity Requirements: At least 60% of funds each fiscal year must go to entities serving low-income and underserved communities. Renovated or developed spaces must remain free or low-cost to the public, though reasonable rents may be charged to businesses.
- Pilot Duration: The program runs for 3 years after enactment, with an optional 2-year extension by the Secretary.
- Reporting: Grantees must report on attendance, programs, and impacts. The Secretary must submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 3 years of the pilot's end, including metrics on success, economic effects, and recommendations for expansion.
- Administrative Limits: No more than 5% of appropriated funds may cover federal administration costs.
- Funding Authorization: Up to $200,000,000 is authorized for the program.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This legislation creates a new federal pilot grant authority under the Department of Commerce, with no direct amendments to existing statutes. It establishes fresh requirements for equity-focused community planning and accessibility in public space development, while defining new terms such as "third space" and "underserved community" for program eligibility.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Commerce takes lead responsibility for program administration and reporting, requiring coordination with HUD and HHS. This adds new oversight, grant management, and evaluation duties.
- On Citizens: Residents in targeted communities may gain improved access to low- or no-cost public spaces, potentially enhancing social connections, local business opportunities, and cultural preservation.
- On International Relations: No direct effects are specified in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible entities, including local governments, nonprofit corporations, Federally recognized Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, public libraries, community colleges, and qualifying partnerships.
- Low-income and underserved communities, particularly those with histories of disinvestment, segregation, or loss of public spaces.
- Federal agencies involved in consultation and oversight, such as the Departments of Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill emphasizes requirements for addressing historical inequities and ensuring community benefits, which may involve considerations of equal protection and public access standards. As a spending program, it operates within congressional appropriations authority, with built-in reporting to evaluate outcomes and support potential future expansion.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-26: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Revitalizing Equitable Spaces to Transform Our Regional Environments and Third Spaces Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-26 — PDF (11 pages)