Senate Introduces Landmark Permitting Reform Bill
12 BuildersOutlook 2026Issue10
Senate Introduces Landmark Permitting Reform Bill
Following the midterm elections, the Senate is expected to consider major NAHB-backed permitting reform legislation that would lower development costs, increase housing supply and make homeownership more attainable. The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act( BAAJA) was drafted by a bipartisan group of Senate committee leaders— Shelley Moore Capito( R-W. V.), Sheldon Whitehouse( D-R. I.), Mike Lee( R-Utah) and Martin Heinrich( D- N. M.)— reflecting broad recognition that slow, unpredictable federal reviews raise costs and delay projects nationwide. The bill would reduce land development costs and delays, resulting in more affordable lots and faster, less expensive federal permits. For multifamily builders, it would also improve access to federal housing finance programs and reduce the costs and delays of environmental reviews for Department of Housing and urban Development loans or Community Development Block Grant funding. NAHB members can help advance this vital bill by calling their senators at 202-224-3121 and urging them to support BAAJA, the Senate’ s bipartisan permitting reform legislation.
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