Press Release: YIMBY Action & Chapters support three federal pro-housing bills

Contact: Jae Garner

YIMBY Action, along with its forty-nine chapters across the country, has announced its support for three federal pro-housing bills, including the People Over Parking Act, the VITAL Act, and the YIMBY Act. If passed, these laws will reduce car dependency and increase the number of affordable homes in communities across the country.

“YIMBY Action is proud to support these bills,” said Rafa Sonnenfeld, policy director at YIMBY Action. “Federal action is a crucial part of ending the housing shortage and creating abundant, affordable housing for everyone in this country.”

The People Over Parking Act, introduced by Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Greg Casar (D-TX), and Seth Moulton (D-MA), would eliminate outdated parking minimum requirements for new affordable residential, retail, industrial or commercial construction. According to the EPA, regions with walkable, mixed use, dense neighborhoods coupled with a robust network of public transit, protect human health and the natural environment. This increase in housing availability will encourage transit ridership and reduce emissions caused by car dependency at a time when combating climate change is an urgent need.

The VITAL Act, introduced by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), would allocate additional funding, introduce requirements, and provide incentives to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTCP). It would promote the development of affordable and accessible housing while increasing the production of affordable housing overall. If passed, the VITAL Act will enable individuals with disabilities and senior citizens to live in homes that are safe, affordable, and inclusive.

The Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Act, sponsored by Brian Schatz (D-HI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), and Tom Cotton (R-AR), encourages localities to eliminate discriminatory land use policies and remove barriers that prevent much-needed housing from being built around the country. The YIMBY Act achieves these goals by requiring recipients of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to report on how they are removing discriminatory land use policies and implementing inclusive and affordable housing policies detailed by the bill. The YIMBY Act increases transparency in housing decisions and regulations; sheds light on exclusionary polices; and ultimately encourage cities and counties to eliminate barriers to much-needed housing.

Combined, these three bills have the potential to add tens of thousands of new, affordable homes especially in transit-rich areas, all while pushing cities and counties to actively undo the harm caused by discriminatory housing laws.

YIMBY Action will continue to work with its network of activists to advocate for affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing for everyone.

“The housing shortage and affordability crisis are nationwide problems that require nationwide solutions,” said Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action. “These bills are important steps toward affordability, walkability, and equity in our communities.”

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About YIMBY Action: YIMBY Action is a national network of people who advocate for abundant, affordable housing and inclusive, sustainable communities across the United States. YIMBY Action builds grassroots activist power and organizes to elect pro-housing candidates, pass high-impact pro-housing legislation, and get more housing built in high-opportunity neighborhoods.

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