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ew bipartisan housing legislation is a significant step forward in addressing the nation's housing crisis, according to advocates who participated in a recent panel discussion. After years of supply and affordability challenges, lawmakers are finally taking action.

    The ROAD to Housing Act includes several proposals that could have long-term impacts on housing, including expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which is expected to create 3 million new homes over the next decade. The bill also provides support for local leaders to create their own zoning and regulatory reform solutions.

    Despite this progress, federal policies impacting the skilled labor workforce and material costs are expected to pose additional challenges. A current shortage of skilled workers, exacerbated by immigration enforcement and a decline in migrant workers, is costing the construction industry $10.8 billion per year in delays. Advocates argue that vocational education and training programs can help address this issue.

    The rising cost of building materials, driven in part by new tariffs, is also slowing the pace of construction. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) expands the LIHTC program, it will also strip low-income individuals of assistance they rely on to afford rent, making it harder for them to make ends meet.

    Legislative progress on housing is a welcome development, but policymakers must continue to address the complex issues surrounding skilled labor and material costs. As one advocate noted, "It's our job to make sure that those solutions will actually have the impact we're seeking."