Statement on Passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Congress has taken a historic, bipartisan step toward addressing one of the nation’s most urgent challenges: expanding access to housing that is affordable and attainable. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act recognizes what planners and communities know firsthand: modernizing and reforming outdated codes, rules, and programs is essential to increasing housing supply and affordability.

The largest federal housing package in a generation, this legislation makes the federal government a stronger partner to planners, local leaders, and communities working to remove barriers, streamline housing processes, expand housing choices, and improve access to financing. These tools will help communities move from planning for housing to delivering more homes in more places for more people.

Good planning is central to building strong, prosperous communities. Across the country, planners are helping communities create local visions for housing that are affordable, abundant, and responsive to the needs of residents. The American Planning Association welcomes and applauds this important federal action and stands ready to support planners and communities as they put these new policies into action to expand housing opportunities nationwide.