Publications

The housing market in the United States has long faced a crisis on two fronts, affordability and availability. Outdated zoning constraints are one of the factors contributing to this crisis. To combat this dual challenge, Congress has recently passed bipartisan legislation that includes reforms designed to modernize zoning practices and eliminate zoning constraints. These reforms could have a significant impact on the local entitlement process. The 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, 2026. This sweeping bill aims to promote the growth of and accessibility of housing supply throughout the United States by removing or easing regulatory burdens, modernizing Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, streamlining discretionary environmental review on the Federal level, strengthening community banks, expanding local lending, and restricting institutional investor home purchases, among other measures. The Act attempts to ease state and local regulatory burdens by mandating the establishment of guidelines, best practices, and grant programs that facilitate less restrictive zoning requirements and procedures for residential development. Read More >