The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act of 2026 (H.R. 6644) was enacted today, marking the passage of the most comprehensive housing legislation in decades. After months of negotiation, this bill is a bipartisan commitment to addressing the country’s housing affordability crisis while expanding opportunities for communities facing rising housing costs and persistent housing shortages.
The legislation includes several important reforms, including federal incentives to encourage higher density zoning at the state and local level, support for the preservation of existing housing stock through the Whole-Home Repairs pilot program, an increase in the “public welfare investment” cap to help financial institutions invest in more affordable housing, and authorization of the CDBG-Disaster Recovery (DR) Program for the next three years to support communities through long-term disaster recovery.
“At a time when housing affordability remains one of the most urgent challenges facing families and communities, particularly low-income households with the fewest financial resources to weather economic downturns, passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a meaningful step in the right direction,” said Seema Agnani, CEO of National CAPACD. “The legislation provides important tools to support housing production and preservation, strengthen community investment, and help more families access stable housing. Its impact will be determined by how it is rolled out and whether it reaches the communities and neighborhoods most in need.”
The bill streamlines and modernizes existing programs, establishes pilot programs for future consideration, and provides accountability by monitoring implementation and outcomes. It does not, however, include substantial sources of additional funding. Given this, it will be important to ensure adequate funding is provided through the budget process and other opportunities to support safe and affordable housing development.
In addition, the focus on timely production of housing at scale could disadvantage smaller community-based development organizations that play an essential role in creating and preserving affordable housing in historically underserved neighborhoods and important cultural districts that anchor communities and cultivate belonging. Policymakers should ensure that these community-based organizations have equitable access to development opportunities as the legislation is rolled out.
National CAPACD looks forward to working with coalition members, policymakers, partners, and advocates to implement the law in ways that advance housing affordability, prevent displacement, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity for AAs, NHPIs, and other underserved communities across the country.
- Read National CAPACD’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act of 2026 Explainer
- Read the bill text and access a section-by-section summary of the legislation