Build HUBS Act

Key Points

• This bill aims to fix the housing shortage by making it easier for developers to get federal loans for building apartments and shops near public transit. It extends existing loan programs through 2031 and specifically targets 'attainable housing,' which serves families earning up to 120% of their area's average income.
• To encourage more construction, the bill offers a major discount on interest rates. Projects that focus on affordable housing would only have to pay half the standard government interest rate on their loans. It also allows the government to cover up to 75% of a project's total cost, which is more than what was allowed before.
• The Department of Transportation would simplify the application process. Instead of requiring expensive credit ratings that only big corporations can get, smaller projects could use local government guarantees to prove they are a safe bet. This helps smaller towns and cities that don't have as much experience with federal programs.
• The bill speeds up construction by skipping certain long environmental reviews for specific projects. This includes turning old office buildings into apartments or building on land that is already being used for transportation, like parking lots or areas next to tracks, as long as the building stays within the same general footprint.
• The Department of Transportation would team up with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use their expertise in housing loans. By using HUD’s existing network of approved lenders, the government hopes to process applications faster and get more projects started across the country to help lower housing costs.