Congress Takes a Historic Step on Housing. What It Means for New England.
On July 11, 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act officially became law, marking the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. After months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, Congress delivered a comprehensive package designed to increase housing supply, modernize federal housing policy, and help make homeownership and rental housing more attainable for American families.
For New England, where housing affordability has become one of the region’s defining economic challenges, the legislation represents an important milestone.
The New England Council applauds the leadership of Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, and the Democratic sponsor of the legislation, as well as Members of the New England Congressional Delegation who helped shape and advance the bill. We especially recognize Senator Jack Reed (RI), who serves alongside Senator Warren on the Senate Banking Committee, and Representatives Stephen F. Lynch (MA), Ayanna Pressley (MA), and Jim Himes (CT) for their leadership throughout the legislative process.
While no single law can solve the nation’s housing shortage, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act establishes a strong federal foundation for expanding housing opportunities by reducing unnecessary barriers to development, modernizing financing tools, supporting manufactured housing, strengthening community development programs, and encouraging policies that increase the supply of homes across the country.
Why This Matters to New England
Housing affordability continues to affect nearly every sector of New England’s economy. Employers across the region increasingly cite housing costs as a barrier to attracting and retaining workers, while families face rising home prices and limited housing inventory.
The need for action is clear. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston reports that home prices across New England rose by roughly 50 percent between 2020 and 2024, driven largely by a shortage of available housing. At the national level, Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies continues to identify housing supply as one of the country’s most pressing economic challenges.
The bill serves as an important first step toward addressing those challenges by giving communities additional tools to build more housing and improve affordability.
The Council’s Advocacy
The New England Council and its Housing Working Group have supported the ROAD to Housing Act since its introduction.
Last fall, the Council published an op-ed in New England business journals highlighting the need for comprehensive housing reform and submitted a formal letter to Congress urging lawmakers to advance the legislation. Throughout the legislative process, the Council has remained engaged with policymakers and members on the bill’s progress.
That conversation continued June 16, 2026, when the Council, in partnership with Liberty Bay Credit Union, welcomed Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA). The discussion centered on a message echoed by employers across the region: housing is no longer just a quality-of-life issue, but a workforce and economic competitiveness issue.
The enactment of this housing package reinforces the importance of that conversation and represents meaningful progress toward expanding housing opportunities across New England.
Looking Ahead
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning.
The New England Council looks forward to continuing its work with policymakers, industry leaders, and members to advance practical solutions that increase housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen New England’s workforce and economy.
We thank the members of the New England Congressional Delegation whose leadership helped make this landmark legislation possible and look forward to supporting the successful implementation of this historic law.
For more information, please contact Natasha Silva, Director of Federal Affairs, at nsilva@newenglandcouncil.com.