Summary of HR 5907: Mixed-Income Housing Grant Authorization
Bill Number: HR 5907
Introduced: November 04, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Sponsors: Chris Pappas, Bryan Steil, Scott Fitzgerald
Purpose and Intent
HR 5907 aims to enhance the availability of affordable housing by authorizing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to eligible entities. These grants will enable the selection of pre-reviewed designs for covered structures of mixed-income housing, thereby streamlining the construction process and promoting diverse housing options within communities.
Key Provisions
Definitions:
- Affordable Housing: Housing costs not exceeding 30% of monthly household income for households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
- Covered Structure: Includes low-rise or mid-rise buildings with up to 25 dwelling units, such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
- Eligible Entities: Local governments, municipal organizations, and Indian tribes.
- Mixed-Income Housing: Developments that include units at various affordability levels.
Grant Awards:
- The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities for selecting pre-reviewed designs of covered structures.
- Grant funds cannot be used for construction, alteration, or repair work.
Application Review Criteria:
- The Secretary will evaluate applications based on:
- The need for affordable housing.
- Presence of high opportunity areas.
- Coordination with state agencies and transportation planning authorities.
Rural Area Allocation:
- At least 10% of the annual grant funds must be allocated to eligible entities in rural areas.
Reporting Requirements:
- Grant recipients must report on:
- The impact of grant activities on affordable housing production.
- Selected pre-reviewed designs.
- Permits issued for developments using these designs.
- Number of housing units produced.
Public Information and Best Practices:
- The Secretary is encouraged to make information about selected pre-reviewed designs publicly available and to disseminate best practices.
Grant Fund Return Requirement:
- Entities must return grant funds if selected designs are not adopted within five years, unless an extension is granted.
Appropriations:
- The bill authorizes necessary appropriations for its implementation and allows for up to 5% of funds to be used for technical assistance to grant recipients.
Impact
HR 5907 is designed to facilitate the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, particularly in areas with a high demand for such options. By streamlining the approval process through pre-reviewed designs, the bill aims to increase the efficiency of housing construction and improve access to affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. The focus on rural areas also ensures that these communities benefit from enhanced housing opportunities.
Procedural Aspects
- The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services on November 4, 2025.
- Further legislative actions will determine the bill's progression through Congress.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HR 5907, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on housing development across various jurisdictions.