B
ryan Greene, National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) vice‑president of policy advocacy, joined a bipartisan panel hosted by the Congressional Build America Caucus to discuss the nation’s housing supply crisis. The event, led by Chair Josh Harder (D‑CA) and Rep. Laura Friedman (D‑CA), drew lawmakers and industry voices such as Up for Growth CEO Mike Kingsella, NAHB senior vice president Lake Coulson, and Niskanen Center analyst Alex Armlovich.

    Greene underscored the urgency of bipartisan action to tackle affordability and supply gaps. Attendees included Representatives Mike Quigley (D‑IL), Jeff Hurd (R‑CO), Chuck Edwards (R‑NC), Celeste Maloy (R‑UT), Jim Himes (D‑CT), George Whitesides (D‑CA), Ritchie Torres (D‑NY), and Scott Peters (D‑CA).

    The discussion highlighted that restrictive zoning, heavy regulation, and labor shortages are key barriers to development. Panelists reviewed the ROAD to Housing Act, which proposes easing zoning constraints, streamlining environmental reviews, granting funds for new construction; simplifying mortgage access and appraisal processes; updating rules for manufactured and modular homes; and permanently authorizing disaster‑recovery funds that incorporate resilience measures.

    Protecting the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit was also a priority. NAR backed the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and voiced support for the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act—aimed at attracting private capital for owner‑occupied homes—and the More Homes on the Market Act, designed to reduce equity penalties and encourage long‑term sales.

    The Build America Caucus, chaired by Rep. Josh Harder, has been convening experts to address infrastructure and housing challenges. By bringing together stakeholders from real estate, construction, and policy analysis, the caucus seeks to craft solutions that balance growth with affordability.

    Key elements of the ROAD to Housing Act include zoning reform, expedited environmental reviews, and grants for community development, while the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act aims to preserve tax incentives for low‑income housing. The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act and the More Homes on the Market Act further encourage private investment and market liquidity.

    The session also highlighted the importance of aligning federal and state policies to streamline approvals and underscored the role of technology in accelerating construction. NAR’s leadership emphasized that a coordinated approach can unlock millions of new units and make homeownership more attainable for families across the country.

    Greene closed by reaffirming NAR’s commitment to expanding supply, lowering ownership barriers, and fostering inclusive growth. “There is significant opportunity to address affordability,” he said. “Our members are on the front lines daily, and we recognize the power of public‑private collaboration to get shovels in the ground.”