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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Senate Bill Would Boost Federal Loans for Transit-Area Housing Through 2031

Also known as: Build HUBS Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(5)
Homeowner
Helps

More housing near transit could stabilize home prices and reduce competition in tight markets by increasing overall supply.

Small Business Owner
Helps

Easier access to federal loans for mixed-use projects near transit helps small developers build without expensive credit ratings.

Retiree
Helps

More housing near public transit provides walkable, accessible living options for seniors who may not drive.

Student
Helps

Increased affordable housing supply near transit stations makes it easier for students to find rentals near schools and jobs.

Physical Disability
Helps

Transit-oriented housing provides accessible living close to public transportation, reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

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.
HousingInfrastructureTransportationEconomySmall Business

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 14, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

180 days after bill becomes law

Department of Transportation must publish new rules for the delegated lending program

HUD-approved lenders can start processing loans for transit housing projects, speeding up the application process

After bill passes and regulations finalized

Federal loan programs extended and new lower interest rates take effect

Developers can apply for loans at half the normal rate for affordable housing projects near transit through 2031

Related News

1 article
Streetsblog·about 1 month ago

A Few Legal Tweaks Could Unlock A Mother Lode of Housing Near Transit

The Build HUBS Act seeks to fix flaws in federal legislation that prevented communities from using low-cost transportation financing for transit-oriented development. Proponents say the bill could unlock up to 100,000 new housing units by cutting red tape and offering low-interest loans.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Build HUBS Act

Bill NumberS 3636
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.