Housing BOOM Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
The Housing BOOM Act proposes a massive federal investment and policy overhaul to address the national housing crisis, focusing on supply, homelessness, and tenant protections, with significant fiscal implications.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the "Housing BOOM Act," aims to significantly increase the housing supply, combat homelessness, and provide tenant support across the United States. It proposes substantial new authorizations for federal housing programs, including tax credits, loan funds, block grants, and direct assistance, totaling over $135 billion over five years for various housing initiatives. The bill also establishes new federal offices and councils to coordinate housing policy and eviction prevention efforts, and mandates prevailing wage requirements for many federally assisted construction projects.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary and comprehensive response to the severe housing affordability and homelessness crises facing the nation. They contend that its multi-pronged approach, combining increased housing production, targeted assistance for vulnerable populations, and tenant protections, will create millions of new housing opportunities, stabilize communities, and ensure fair access to housing. The inclusion of prevailing wage requirements is also seen as a way to ensure good-paying jobs in the construction sector.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill represents an excessive expansion of federal spending and intervention in housing markets, potentially leading to inflationary pressures and inefficient allocation of resources. Concerns could be raised about the overall cost to taxpayers, the administrative burden of new programs and offices, and the potential for federal mandates like prevailing wage requirements to increase construction costs and slow down development, rather than accelerate it.
The bill is moderately long and covers a wide range of topics, requiring a dedicated read to understand its full scope and implications. The time given for review, immediately after introduction, is limited for comprehensive public scrutiny.
Sec. 101
Increase in State Housing Credit Ceiling
This section amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the State housing credit ceiling multiplier from 1.12 to 3.36. This change significantly expands the amount of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) that states can allocate annually, making more federal tax credits available to incentivize the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing projects.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that increasing the LIHTC ceiling is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the production of affordable housing, as the program has a proven track record of leveraging private investment. This expansion will directly address housing shortages by making more projects financially viable.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while LIHTC is effective, simply increasing the ceiling without addressing other programmatic inefficiencies or market barriers might not fully solve the housing crisis. Some may also raise concerns about the long-term fiscal impact of expanded tax credits.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for increased affordable housing supply with the fiscal cost of expanded tax credits. It aims to leverage private capital but relies on the effectiveness of the LIHTC program structure.
Sec. 102
Middle-Income Housing Construction Loan Fund
This section establishes a new $50 million (over five years) Middle-Income Housing Construction Loan Fund within the Treasury. The fund will provide low-interest loans to non-profit organizations, public housing agencies, and mission-driven developers for rental housing construction or adaptive reuse, specifically targeting households earning 60 to 120 percent of the area median income. Projects receiving funds must adhere to prevailing wage requirements.
Sec. 103
Workforce Housing Block Grant Program
This section establishes a new $25 billion (over five years) block grant program for States to support workforce rental housing development for households earning 60 to 120 percent of the area median income. States must submit equity-based allocation plans and prioritize projects in high-cost urban, rural, and rapidly growing suburban areas, especially near employment, schools, healthcare, and transit. Prevailing wage requirements apply.
Sec. 104
Housing Accelerator Program
This section establishes a $5 billion (over five years) Housing Accelerator Program to provide gap financing for affordable housing projects. Eligible projects must have site control, local land use/environmental clearances, 50% of financing secured, and capacity to start construction within 12 months. Projects must include a 30-year affordability covenant, with at least 40% of units affordable at 60% AMI or 20% at 50% AMI. Prevailing wage requirements apply.
Sec. 105
Increased Funding for Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
This section authorizes an additional $21 billion (over five years) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG provides flexible funding to states and local governments for a wide range of community development activities, including housing, economic development, and infrastructure, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income persons.
Sec. 106
Increased Funding for HOME Investments Partnership Program
This section authorizes an additional $7.5 billion (over five years) for the HOME Investments Partnership Program, plus an additional $2.5 billion (over five years) specifically for projects that build or rehabilitate childcare facilities. The bill also extends Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements to childcare facility projects funded under this additional amount.
Sec. 107
Disaster Recovery Assistance and Climate Resiliency Grants
This section authorizes $5 billion (over five years) for the National Disaster Resilience Competition under the Community Development Block Grant Program. These funds are intended to help communities recover from disasters and build resilience against future climate-related events, often involving housing reconstruction and infrastructure improvements.
Sec. 108
Increased Funding for USDA Rural Development Housing Programs
This section authorizes an additional $350 million (over five years) for Section 515 rural rental housing loans under the Housing Act of 1949. It also adds a new section to Title V of the Rural Housing Act of 1949, mandating prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements for all construction, alteration, or repair work on projects assisted by funding under that title.
Sec. 109
Increased Funding for Indian Housing Block Grants
This section authorizes $1 billion (over five years) for Indian Housing Block Grants under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. This funding supports housing development and assistance programs administered by Indian Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities.
Sec. 110
Increased Funding for Supportive Housing for the Elderly
This section authorizes $8.23 billion (over five years) for the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program. This program provides capital advances and rental assistance to private nonprofit organizations to develop and operate housing for very low-income elderly persons, offering supportive services to allow them to live independently.
Sec. 111
Increased Funding for Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
This section authorizes $1.8 billion (over five years) for the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. This program provides capital advances and rental assistance to private nonprofit organizations to develop and operate housing for very low-income adults with disabilities, offering supportive services.
Sec. 112
Increased Funding for Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program
This section authorizes $3 billion (over five years) for the HOPWA program, which provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Additionally, it authorizes an extra $2.5 billion (over five years) for the 'Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America Initiative' at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The section also adds prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements for construction projects assisted by HOPWA funding.
Sec. 113
Grants for Converting Structures to Emergency Shelters and Housing for Homeless Persons
This section authorizes $1.25 billion (over five years) for grants to States and continua of care to convert hotels, motels, or vacant/blighted residential properties into emergency, temporary, and transitional housing or emergency shelters for homeless persons and families. Funds can be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, operating costs, and supportive services. Prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements apply.
Sec. 114
Grants for Converting State and Local Government Buildings into Affordable Housing
This section establishes the "Office to Residential Affordable Housing Conversion Program" and authorizes $3.75 billion (over five years) for grants to States and local governments. These grants facilitate the conversion of unused or underutilized government buildings into "qualified residential rental projects," which must meet specific affordability requirements (e.g., 20% at 50% AMI or 40% at 60% AMI for at least 30 years). Prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements apply.
Sec. 201
Increased Funding for Homelessness Assistance and Supportive Services
This section significantly increases funding for two key homelessness programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: $18.75 billion (over five years) for Subtitle B (Emergency Solutions Grants) and $22.25 billion (over five years) for Subtitle C (Continuum of Care Program). It also adds a new section mandating prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements for construction, alteration, or repair work on projects assisted by funding under Subtitle A of Title IV of the Act.
Sec. 202
SAMHSA Center for Unhoused Individuals and Behavioral Health Grants
This section establishes a new Center for Unhoused Individuals within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with $50 million (over five years) for its operations. The Center will lead federal efforts to expand mental and behavioral health services for unhoused individuals. Additionally, it authorizes $5 billion (over five years) for a new grant program to eligible entities (States, municipalities, Indian Tribes) to improve mental and behavioral health and housing services for unhoused individuals, including substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and workforce expansion. Prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) requirements apply to construction projects funded under this subpart.
Sec. 301
Increased Funding for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers)
This section authorizes an amount sufficient to increase the number of Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) by 1,000,000 from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2035. This aims to significantly expand the availability of rental assistance for low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities to afford housing in the private market.
Sec. 302
Grants for Housing Assistance and Navigation Services
This section authorizes $250 million (over five years) for grants to eligible entities (non-profits, trade associations, state/local governments) to provide housing assistance and navigation services. These services include public education, information distribution, and direct assistance for individuals applying for and enrolling in State and Federal housing assistance programs, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate support.
Sec. 303
Office of Eviction Prevention and Grant Funding
This section establishes an Office of Eviction Prevention within HUD, headed by a career-reserved Director, with $500 million (over five years) for its operations. The Office's mission is to prevent evictions and protect tenants. It will administer the Eviction Protection Grant Program, for which another $500 million (over five years) is authorized, and coordinate federal efforts, collect data, and provide technical assistance on eviction prevention strategies.
Sec. 401
Interagency Council on Housing Affordability and Preservation
This section establishes the United States Interagency Council on Housing Affordability and Preservation, an independent establishment in the executive branch, with $24 million (over five years) for its operations. Composed of heads of 21 federal agencies/offices, the Council's mission is to develop federal policy to preserve and increase affordable housing, increase fairness in the rental market, and further fair housing principles. It will develop a National Strategic Plan, review federal programs, provide technical assistance, and encourage state-level councils.
Sec. 402
HUD Language Access Plan
This section mandates that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) release a comprehensive Language Access Plan within 180 days of a President's inauguration. The plan must include strategies to improve access to federal housing programs, services, and resources for individuals with limited English proficiency, focusing on translation, digital enhancements, outreach, data collection, and employee training.
Repeated application of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements across numerous new and expanded housing and homelessness programs.
Sec. 102(e), Sec. 103(f), Sec. 104(d), Sec. 106(b), Sec. 108(b), Sec. 112(g), Sec. 113(e), Sec. 114(g), Sec. 201(a), Sec. 202 (new 520O-1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for labor protections on federally funded construction projects, but its widespread application across this omnibus bill represents a significant policy choice that might be less prominent than the headline funding amounts.
Case for: Proponents argue that applying prevailing wage requirements ensures fair compensation for construction workers, prevents a race to the bottom in wages, and supports local economies, leading to higher quality construction and a skilled workforce.
Case against: Opponents contend that prevailing wage requirements increase construction costs, potentially reducing the number of affordable housing units that can be built with the same amount of funding, especially in areas with lower local wage scales.
Estimated impact: Will significantly impact labor costs and worker compensation standards across billions of dollars in federally funded housing and infrastructure projects nationwide.
Authorization of appropriations for tenant-based rental assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers) is for "an amount sufficient to increase the number of vouchers available under this subsection by 1,000,000 from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2035."
Sec. 301(23)
Why it matters:This phrasing is a tactical choice. It sets a clear policy goal (1 million new vouchers) without committing to a specific, potentially politically sensitive, dollar figure upfront, allowing future appropriations bills to determine the exact cost. It also spreads the increase over a decade.
Case for: Proponents argue that this language clearly signals a strong commitment to addressing housing insecurity by expanding a highly effective program, while providing flexibility for future Congresses to fund it based on economic conditions and housing market needs.
Case against: Critics might argue that the lack of a specific dollar amount makes it difficult to assess the true fiscal impact of the bill and could lead to underfunding or political battles over the actual appropriations in future years.
Estimated impact: Potentially hundreds of billions of dollars over ten years, depending on the average cost per voucher and the pace of implementation, significantly expanding federal rental assistance.