This bill amends the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, which provides federal funding to remove or retrofit highways and infrastructure that divided communities, by requiring consideration of affordable housing preservation and creation as part of project planning and implementation. The legislation directs that projects funded under the program must evaluate their impact on the local housing supply and incorporate affordable housing protections through mechanisms like community land trusts, shared equity homeownership programs, housing cooperatives, and long-term rental housing commitments of at least 30 years. The bill affects communities receiving federal grants to reconnect divided neighborhoods, particularly low- and moderate-income residents at risk of displacement due to infrastructure projects. By January 1, 2027, the Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development must jointly report to Congress on how these programs have affected rent costs, homeownership affordability, demographic changes, and partnerships with affordable housing organizations. The legislation ensures that federal investment in reconnecting communities does not inadvertently accelerate gentrification or displace existing residents through rising housing costs.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.