U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) have introduced the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (HUBS) Act, a bill designed to streamline the process for transit-oriented development (TOD) projects aimed at increasing housing supply near transportation hubs. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Friedman (D-CA) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation seeks to improve access to key infrastructure loan programs by enabling greater collaboration between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Transportation. These changes would prioritize projects that combine housing development with public transit investments.
“Utah is growing quickly, and that growth must be paired with smart, coordinated transportation planning and more attainable housing,” said Senator Curtis. “The Build HUBS Act helps us maximize transportation investments, makes better use of public land, and empowers local leaders to use existing infrastructure programs more effectively to build housing where it matters and makes sense.”
Senator Blunt Rochester added: “Taking on our housing affordability crisis means using all the tools at our disposal. Investing in transit-oriented development will have a positive impact on housing affordability, local economies, and quality of life. It’s not enough to make communities more affordable, we must also work to make communities more livable – that’s what the Build HUBS Act does. I am proud to be part of a bipartisan and bicameral coalition leading this bill, and I look forward to working with all our colleagues to advance our legislation.”
Representative Friedman commented: “Too many communities are ready to build near transit but are blocked from securing the investments they need by unnecessary red tape. The Build HUBS Act breaks out the scissors and gives local governments the flexibility and tools to build more housing near jobs, services, and public transportation. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan step to address our housing shortage and create more connected, sustainable communities.”
Representative Lawler stated: “The Build HUBS Act is one of many bipartisan bills I’m proud to support to help tackle the housing affordability crisis. By making it easier for communities to build more housing near transit and align housing and transportation investments, we can move projects forward more efficiently. This bicameral, bipartisan effort expands workforce housing, strengthens local economies, and helps families live closer to where they work.”
Transit-oriented development is described as a strategy focused on dense, walkable neighborhoods around public transport facilities that encourage efficient land use while providing access to jobs and services. Although federal financing programs like TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act) and RRIF (Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing) were amended previously for TOD eligibility, gaps in their authorization have limited their impact for such projects—a gap which this bill aims to address.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox supported these efforts: “Utah has asked neighborhoods and cities to plan for growth around our transit stations… The lack of infrastructure to support housing is slowing us down, and these updates… will add flexibility and accelerate construction.”
Andrew Gruber of Wasatch Front Regional Council said: “WFRC appreciates Senator Curtis’s leadership in tackling some of Utah’s most pressing challenges—transportation mobility, housing attainability, and air quality—through the introduction of the Building HUBS Act… Coordinating our land use, economic development, housing, and transportation infrastructure is essential.”
Carlton Christensen from Utah Transit Authority added: “UTA strongly supports Senator Curtis’ Build HUBS Act because it provides important new tools to help finance transit-oriented development… making public transportation more accessible.”
Alecia Hill from LOCUS noted: “For too long… it has been too hard to build affordable homes in locations where people want to live… By reforming RRIF & TIFIA programs… [the bill] will unlock additional financing.”
Clarence E. Anthony from National League of Cities called it “a bipartisan step” expanding government tools for meeting both “housing & transportation needs.”
Bob Pinnegar from National Apartment Association highlighted its potential for accelerating multifamily construction by reducing delays due to regulatory hurdles.
Sharon Wilson Géno from National Multifamily Housing Council pointed out that modifications could facilitate over 100,000 new rental units by making TIFIA/RRIF funds available for TOD.
Jeffrey D. DeBoer from The Real Estate Roundtable emphasized how expanding DOT low-interest loans would increase national affordable options.
Mike Kingsella from Up for Growth Action said modernizing these programs would help unlock new supply specifically in areas served by transit.
Erich Zimmermann at National Association of Regional Councils underlined improvements in regional planning through better financing tools.
Sarah Brundage at National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders praised opportunities created for public-private partnerships without extra federal spending.
Buddy Hughes at National Association of Home Builders supported improved funding options for workforce-focused builders near transport routes.
A broad coalition including Smart Growth America; American Planning Association; Center for Community Progress; Mortgage Bankers Association; National League of Cities; National Apartment Association; National Multifamily Housing Coalition; The Real Estate Roundtable; Up for Growth Action among others has endorsed the measure.
