Curtis, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Housing Near Transit Hubs
U.S. Senators John Curtis of Utah and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware have introduced the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services Act, known as the Build HUBS Act, a bipartisan effort to spur housing construction near public transportation hubs. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Mike Lawler of New York and Laura Friedman of California.
The legislation is designed to cut federal red tape and unlock transit oriented development projects that can increase housing supply, strengthen local economies, and make better use of existing transportation infrastructure. The bill focuses on improving how key federal infrastructure loan programs are used so housing and transportation investments are better aligned.
Specifically, the Build HUBS Act updates the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act and the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing programs. These programs allow the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development to collaborate more effectively and prioritize projects that support transit oriented development.
Senator Curtis emphasized the need to pair rapid growth with smart planning, noting that the bill helps communities maximize transportation investments and build attainable housing where it makes sense. Senator Blunt Rochester highlighted the legislation’s role in addressing housing affordability while also improving quality of life through more livable, connected communities.
The bill includes several key provisions. It extends the TIFIA and RRIF programs for five years and clarifies the definition of transit oriented development. It implements a delegated lending model that maintains federal oversight while incorporating private sector efficiency. It also speeds up project review and funding timelines, provides targeted relief under the National Environmental Policy Act for certain infill and office to residential projects, and encourages loan programs to prioritize attainable housing.
Transit oriented development promotes dense, walkable, mixed use neighborhoods near public transportation. While TIFIA and RRIF were previously amended to include these projects, gaps in their authorizations have limited their impact. The Build HUBS Act aims to close those gaps and unlock the full potential of these financing tools.
The legislation has received broad support from state and local leaders, transportation authorities, housing advocates, and national organizations. Supporters argue that the bill will help communities build more housing near jobs and services, reduce congestion, strengthen local economies, and expand workforce and affordable housing options without increasing costs to the federal government.
Endorsements include organizations representing cities, regional councils, planners, housing lenders, builders, and transit advocates, reflecting a wide consensus around the need to better coordinate housing and transportation policy at the federal level.
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Curtis, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bill to Spur Housing Construction Near Transportation Hubs