May 28, 2026 — The House has passed its amended version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, moving Congress closer to enacting major bipartisan housing legislation that would strengthen the federal housing and community development framework and provide local housing leaders with better tools to provide safe and affordable homes. 

NAHRO applauds the House for advancing the legislation with strong bipartisan support and urges the Senate to act quickly to move the final package forward. As communities face serious housing supply, affordability, preservation, and program delivery challenges, Congress should support passage of this important legislation.

Why This Bill Matters

Housers provide safe and affordable homes, preserve existing housing, expand supply, and strengthen local communities. However, outdated program rules, limited administrative flexibility, and growing housing needs continue to make that work more difficult.

The House-approved 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes several provisions that would help local housing leaders better address housing challenges, including reforms and tools related to:

• Housing supply and local production;
• Voucher program administration and landlord participation;
• Community development and affordable housing construction;
• Rural housing and manufactured housing;
• Environmental review and program delivery;
• Preservation and resident-centered housing stability.

Together, these provisions would help communities make better use of federal housing and community development resources while supporting the broader goal of expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.

Provisions of Interest to NAHRO Members

The House-approved bill includes several important provisions key to housing and community development practitioners, including:

• Choice in Affordable Housing Act provisions to support landlord participation, improve voucher program operations, and help families access housing opportunities.
• Community Development Block Grant flexibility to allow a portion of CDBG funds to support new affordable housing construction.
• HOME program reforms, including language requiring HUD to report on implementation challenges related to Build America, Buy America requirements.
• Environmental review streamlining to support more efficient project delivery.
• Rural Housing Service reforms to strengthen housing tools in rural communities.
• Manufactured housing provisions to support additional affordable housing options.
• Housing supply provisions focused on planning, zoning, infill development, adaptive reuse, and local production.

The legislation also includes provisions related to public land transparency, point-access block guidance, an eviction helpline, a temperature sensor pilot, PHA receivership and federal monitoring accountability, and community banking.

NAHRO’s Position

NAHRO supports continued movement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and urges the Senate to act quickly on the House-approved package.

While no single bill can solve the nation’s housing affordability crisis, this legislation represents a meaningful bipartisan step toward improving federal housing and community development programs, supporting local implementation, and helping housing providers make the maximum impact for the families they serve.

Take Action

Urge your Senators and urge them to advance the House-approved 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Share these links with your networks, anyone can use the action alert center to contact Congress!

Send a Letter! Congressional offices need to hear directly from PHA staff and residents about why this legislation matters locally. Your experience and voice can help explain how these tools would support PHAs, redevelopment agencies, community development departments, residents, landlords, and local partners working to expand access to safe and affordable homes. 

Call your Senators to explain how legislation like the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act can help your community strengthen housing supply, preserve affordable homes, and improve federal housing and community development programs.

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