WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) has introduced bipartisan legislation into the 119th Congress to spur housing construction near transportation hubs.
The proposed Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (Build HUBS) Act would cut red tape to facilitate transit-oriented development (TOD) projects that boost local economies and housing supply.
“Utah is growing quickly and that growth must be paired with smart, coordinated transportation planning and more attainable housing,” according to Curtis.
“The Build HUBS Act helps us maximize transportation investments, makes better use of public land and empowers local leaders to use existing infrastructure programs more effectively to build housing where it matters and makes sense,” he argues.
Curtis’ staff members in Washington explain that TOD is a development strategy that creates dense, walk-able, mixed-use developments near public transportation. TOD increases land use efficiency, spurs neighborhood revitalization and provides access to attainable housing, jobs, and services.
The federal Transportation Infrastructure and Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) programs, both originally passed by Congress in 1998, were later amended to include TOD projects, recognizing the direct link between housing and transportation.
However, TIFIA and RRIF have not yet realized their full potential for TOD projects due to unforeseen gaps in their authorizations.
As proposed by Curtis and like-minded congressional colleagues, the Build HUBS Act remedies those legislative gaps by making several changes aimed at improving the usability of important infrastructure loan programs. These programs allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Transportation to collaborate and prioritize projects that promote transit-oriented development.
Here in Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox has applauded Curtis’ efforts to correct shortcomings in the TIFIA and RRIF programs.
“Utah has asked neighborhoods and cities to plan for growth around our transit stations, which are key areas to drive attainable housing, less congestion and better access to jobs and education,” the governor emphasized.
“The lack of infrastructure to support housing is slowing us down,” Cox added. “These updates to the TIFIA and RIFF programs will add flexibility and accelerate construction.”
Curtis was joined in introducing the Build HUBS Act in the Senate by Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).
Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Friedman (D-CA).
The Build HUBS Act is supported by numerous housing and transportation advocacy groups, including endorsed by Smart Growth America, American Planning Association, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Center for Community Progress, Enterprise Community Partners, Inclusive Abundance Action, LOCUS, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Apartment Association, National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders, National Association of Regional Councils, National League of Cities, National Leased Housing Association, the National Association of REALTORS, National Multifamily Housing Coalition, National NeighborWorks Association, The Real Estate Roundtable and Up for Growth Action.