Three U.S. senators—two Democrats and one Republican—will introduce the Housing Supply and Affordability Act that would authorize $1.5 billion for federal grants to local governments.
The funds, to be distributed over the next five years, would be available to communities that commit to increasing their supply of local housing. Local leaders could use the funds to overcome obstacles to new construction, such as density-unfriendly or discriminatory zoning regulations.
Eligible local governments could apply for grants to devise housing policy plans to spur new construction. The bill is designed to help rural areas and smaller cities that struggle with different housing problems than high-cost coastal metro areas. At least 10% of funds would be required to go to governments in rural areas
The bill could end up being encompassed by the $3 trillion infrastructure bill under development by the Biden Administration, according to a Bloomberg news report.
Related Stories
| Apr 19, 2013
7 hip high-rise developments on the drawing board
Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill's whimsical Dancing Dragons tower in Seoul is among the compelling high-rise projects in the works across the globe.
| Apr 16, 2013
5 projects that profited from insulated metal panels
From an orchid-shaped visitor center to California’s largest public works project, each of these projects benefited from IMP technology.
| Apr 5, 2013
Bangkok gets a leaning tower, that may topple
A seven-story apartment tower under construction in Bangkok has started to tilt and is on the verge of toppling.
| Apr 3, 2013
5 award-winning modular buildings
The Modular Building Institute recently revealed the winners of its annual Awards of Distinction contest. There were 42 winners in all across six categories. Here are five projects that caught our eye.
| Mar 27, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: college labs, classrooms, residence halls, student unions
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| Mar 15, 2013
7 most endangered buildings in Chicago
The Chicago Preservation Society released its annual list of the buildings at high risk for demolition.
| Mar 14, 2013
25 cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings
Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago top EPA's list of the U.S. cities with the greatest number of Energy Star certified buildings in 2012.