Unlocking Housing Supply: What the New Housing Supply Frameworks Act Means for Our Communities

The nation’s housing shortage continues to impact families and individuals across all income levels—from first-time homebuyers to longtime renters. But there’s promising news out of Washington: a new bipartisan bill, the Housing Supply Frameworks Act, is gaining momentum, and it could mark a turning point in how local communities approach housing development.

Backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and over 140 housing and planning organizations—including Habitat for Humanity, the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Planning Association—this legislation takes a smart, strategic approach to increasing the housing supply. And the best part? It doesn’t impose top-down federal mandates.

What Is the Housing Supply Frameworks Act?

At its core, the bill offers expert guidance, technical assistance, and best practices to help state and local governments reform outdated zoning and land-use regulations—one of the biggest barriers to building new homes. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act aims to empower local leaders with the tools they need to remove red tape and pursue locally tailored, pro-housing reforms.

Shannon McGahn, NAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, says it best:

“This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed leadership and guidance to help communities overcome barriers to housing development. By encouraging smart, locally driven reforms, HSFA will play a vital role in addressing our nation’s housing shortage and help expand access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities.”

A Local Approach to a National Crisis

What sets this legislation apart is its respect for local decision-making. As Senator Blunt Rochester noted in the bill’s announcement, “From major cities to rural towns, the impacts of America’s housing crisis are being felt by everyone. This bill helps communities take action by removing red tape and fostering pro-housing reforms.”

This aligns closely with NAR’s long-standing priorities:

• Modernizing local zoning laws

• Investing in infrastructure

• Offering incentives for affordable development

  
  

The Housing Supply Frameworks Act doesn’t replace these efforts—it amplifies them, creating a framework that supports community-led solutions while connecting local leaders to national resources and expertise.

Why This Matters Now

With housing affordability reaching crisis levels in many parts of the country, bold but practical action is urgently needed. The Housing Supply Frameworks Act acknowledges that while the problem is national, solutions must be local. It builds on the understanding that thoughtful planning, informed by technical expertise and tailored to each community’s needs, is the path forward.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) has also expressed strong support, emphasizing that this bill complements their broader push for long-term, large-scale investments to ensure that everyone has access to a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home.

Bottom Line: The Housing Supply Frameworks Act represents a critical step toward unlocking new housing inventory, expanding affordable options, and addressing one of the most pressing issues in today’s market. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, renter, investor—or just someone who cares about your community—this is legislation worth paying attention to.

If you'd like to learn more about how local policy impacts housing in our area, or if you’re considering a move in today’s market, I’d be happy to talk.