Federal housing bill expands income limits and eases rules for HOME program

What does this do?

HR 5798 updates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which funds states and local governments to build, repair, and subsidize housing. The bill raises the income eligibility limit from low-income to up to 100 percent of an area's median income and adjusts several program thresholds, including raising the unit threshold that triggers federal labor rules from 12 to 24 units. It also allows HOME funds to pay for basic infrastructure like water lines and roads near affordable housing in smaller communities.

Who does it affect?

Renters and homebuyers with low to moderate incomes, nonprofit housing developers, and local governments that receive HOME funding are most directly affected. Smaller cities and towns without other federal community development grants, as well as contractors and workers on federally assisted housing projects, are also affected by the changes to Buy American and local hiring rules.

Why does it matter?

Raising the income cap and adjusting program thresholds would make more households and projects eligible under the HOME program than current rules allow. Removing certain Buy American requirements and local hiring mandates for smaller projects would change the conditions under which contractors participate in federally assisted housing construction.

Where does it stand?