The bipartisan 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which became law on July 10, is a significant first step towards improving housing programs across the country, according to LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services.

The association said while the law does not enact any new funding for housing programs, it reforms and modernizes a number of housing rules. Notably, LeadingAge welcomed the enacted improvements to the HOME program, the Community Development Block Grant program, disaster recovery activities, rural housing preservation, and more.

“The bill law also streamlines environmental review requirements and requires a reassessment of the applicability of recent Build America, Buy America requirements on housing programs,” the association said.

LeadingAge said it worked closely with Congress to right-size bill provisions that would have hindered certain senior housing preservation transactions through the Rental Assistance Demonstration, as well as to soften provisions restricting institutional investment in housing that could have impacted senior housing developments.

“Overall, the bill is a much-needed step in the right direction of addressing the nation’s housing crisis. LeadingAge is eager to continue our work with lawmakers on senior housing improvements, including to increase investments in proven programs that stabilize housing for older adults with low incomes,” the association said.

The housing law went into effect without President Trump’s signature following a 10-day stretch from the date of congressional passage. The president did not veto the housing bill but objected to signing it based on Congress not acting on an unrelated election bill.

The Senate approved the housing bill by a vote of 85-5 and the House by a tally of 358-32.

A breakdown of the law is here.

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.