McMorris Rodgers unveils bill to increase affordable housing near transit corridors

With the National Low Income Housing Coalition reporting that the United States has a shortage of seven million affordable homes, a bipartisan bill proposed by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) aims to spur the construction of low- and middle-income housing in transit-served, walkable locations around the country.

“Ensuring access to affordable housing is critical to those who live and work in eastern Washington transit centers like Spokane. This region is an epicenter of business activity,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “Helping people to live comfortably where they work is common sense, and it is a great investment that will ensure we continue driving our economy to new heights.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers on April 13 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Build More Housing Near Transit Act, H.R. 2483, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) and eight other cosponsors, which would amend the United States Code to include affordable housing incentives in certain capital investment grants.

H.R. 2483 would provide incentives for transit applicants that meet requirements related to building more housing along future transit corridors and would cover projects submitted under the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts and Core Capacity programs, which fund projects like commuter rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit through the Capital Investment Grants Program, according to the congresswoman’s office.

The bill, which is supported by more than 95 organizations, including Up for Growth Action, has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.