McMorris Rodgers Introduces Bill to Expand Affordable Housing in Transit-Served Communities

Washington, D.C. (April 14, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) introduced the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act to encourage the construction of low and middle-income housing in transit-served, walkable locations. 

“Ensuring access to affordable housing is critical to those who live and work in Eastern Washington transit centers like Spokane,” said Rodgers. “This region is an epicenter of business activity. Helping people to live comfortably where they work is common sense, and it is a great investment that will ensure we continue driving our economy to new heights.”

This legislation is supported by more than 95 organizations, including Up for Growth Action.

“The Build More Housing Near Transit Act will help America build back better,” said Executive Director Mike Kingsella. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act encourages localities to align land-use policies and affordable housing resources with federal transit investment, ensuring that transit-rich communities are accessible to more Americans. We applaud Representative Peters, Representative McMorris Rodgers, and bipartisan bill co-sponsors for their continued leadership to advance smart and sensible federal housing and transit policy.”

NOTE: According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the United States has a shortage of 7 million affordable homes, and 10.4 million Americans spend more than half of their income on housing. This bill would provide incentives for transit applicants who meet requirements related to building more housing along the future transit corridor. It covers projects submitted under the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts and Core Capacity programs, which fund projects like commuter rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit through the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program.

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