Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services Act; Build HUBS Act
Summary
The "Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services Act" (Build HUBS Act) aims to address the housing crisis by amending titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code. It focuses on modifying rules related to eligible projects under the TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) program and the railroad rehabilitation and financing program. The bill also establishes a transit-oriented development financing program for projects of a certain size.
The Act seeks to improve access to transit, jobs, and services by spurring revitalization of neighborhoods and economic development. It aims to boost transit ridership through more efficient transit-oriented development provisions within the TIFIA and RRIF programs. The bill extends the TIFIA program through fiscal year 2031 and introduces improvements to streamline the application process and enhance government efficiency.
Furthermore, the Act includes provisions for delegated origination and underwriting programs for transit-oriented development projects, modeled after the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Multifamily Accelerated Processing system. It also addresses environmental review processes and savings provisions related to state and local zoning laws.
Expected Effects
The Build HUBS Act is likely to increase the availability of affordable housing near transit hubs by making financing more accessible for transit-oriented development projects. This could lead to increased ridership on public transportation and revitalization of surrounding communities.
Additionally, the streamlined application processes and delegated origination programs could reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate project timelines. The extension of the TIFIA program ensures continued federal support for infrastructure and housing development through 2031.
Potential Benefits
- Increased availability of affordable housing near transit facilities.
- Streamlined financing processes for transit-oriented development projects.
- Potential for economic revitalization of neighborhoods around transit hubs.
- Increased ridership and revenue for transit agencies.
- Reduced environmental review burdens for certain projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government debt due to expanded financing programs.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources if projects are not properly vetted.
- Possible displacement of existing residents due to redevelopment.
- Potential strain on existing infrastructure in areas with increased housing density.
- The act doesn't alter or supersede any State or local zoning or land use law, potentially limiting its effectiveness in certain areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The Build HUBS Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It promotes the general welfare by addressing the housing crisis and improving transportation infrastructure. The Act's focus on transit-oriented development could be seen as an effort to facilitate interstate commerce, which falls under the purview of Congress as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
However, the Act's potential impact on state and local zoning laws raises questions about federalism. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and zoning is traditionally a state and local matter. The savings provision in Section 5 mitigates this concern by explicitly stating that the Act does not alter or preempt state or local zoning laws.
Additionally, the Act's provisions for environmental review could be subject to scrutiny under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause if they unduly restrict property rights. However, the categorical exclusions for certain projects are designed to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays, which could be seen as a reasonable exercise of government power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).