In a significant move to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis, Vice President Kamala Harris has announced the allocation of $85 million in funding through the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant program. The initiative, led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), seeks to support 21 communities across the country in reducing housing costs and increasing the housing supply.
- Vice President Kamala Harris announced $85 million in PRO Housing grants to 21 communities to reduce housing costs and increase supply.
- The funding will address barriers like high land costs, outdated policies, inadequate infrastructure, and aging housing stock.
- Over 175 communities across 47 states applied for the grants, reflecting a strong demand to address housing challenges.
- The initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader Housing Supply Action Plan, which aims to build two million homes and increase rental assistance.
- The President’s FY25 budget proposal includes $258 billion for housing initiatives, further supporting affordable housing development across the U.S.
The PRO Housing program is a first-of-its-kind effort that provides financial resources to communities aiming to overcome local barriers to building more housing. As Vice President Harris highlighted, “President Biden and I believe that every American deserves affordable housing… We are taking a critical step forward by investing $85 million to help more than 20 communities remove barriers to building more affordable housing.”
According to the White House, this funding will be used to address issues like high land costs, outdated land-use policies, aging infrastructure, and inadequate permitting processes, all of which have contributed to rising housing costs. Communities receiving these grants have already implemented strategies to boost housing supply, reform regulations, and encourage community-driven solutions. HUD Acting Secretary Todman emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that the program incentivizes communities to tackle these complex challenges head-on.
The demand for these funds has been overwhelming, with applications from over 175 communities across 47 states and territories. HUD will provide additional technical assistance to support the implementation of these initiatives, as well as offer guidance to other applicants committed to addressing similar housing barriers.
This announcement follows a broader commitment by the Biden-Harris Administration to make housing more affordable. During the State of the Union, President Biden urged Congress to pass legislation aimed at building two million new homes, increasing rental assistance, and supporting first-time homebuyers. This plan is part of the Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan, which includes several strategies to spur housing development, including leveraging discretionary grants, modernizing the HOME program, and streamlining financing options for affordable housing.
The Vice President’s announcement also builds on her long-standing work in affordable housing, including initiatives from her time as Attorney General of California, where she helped pass the California Homeowner Bill of Rights. As Vice President, she has led several national efforts to boost affordable housing, including a recent $5.5 billion funding initiative to address homelessness and racial disparities in homeownership.
In addition to the PRO Housing grants, the Administration is pushing for further investments in housing. President Biden’s FY25 budget proposal includes over $258 billion for housing initiatives, including a $20 billion Innovation Fund to remove housing barriers and support development.
The PRO Housing program’s efforts will play a crucial role in helping American families by increasing housing availability, making rent more affordable, and allowing more Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership. As more communities work to overcome housing challenges, this funding marks a key step forward in reducing costs and providing safe, affordable housing for all.
Vice President Harris Unveils $85 Million Initiative to Lower Housing Costs
Vice President Kamala Harris’s housing strategy is centered around a progressive approach known as “YIMBYism,” which stands for “Yes in My Backyard.” Her platform is built on the fundamental belief that the United States needs more housing to meet the growing demand. Harris’s proposal diverges from the typical discourse of political leaders, as it not only seeks to build three million homes but also encourages collaboration between local governments and builders through various incentives.
The vice president’s housing plan marks a significant departure from traditional political rhetoric, where housing issues often receive limited attention. Harris’s strategy is designed to tackle the housing crisis by addressing supply-side barriers, thus making it a focal point in her political agenda. Reports from NPR and The Washington Post have highlighted her innovative approach, emphasizing the importance of increasing housing availability to curb rising costs and support community growth.
Harris’s initiative is not just about increasing the number of homes but also about fostering sustainable and inclusive development. By working with local governments and developers, the plan aims to create a more cooperative environment where housing projects can flourish. The approach is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and providing affordable housing options for families across the nation.
The vice president’s housing proposal is a response to the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in urban and rural areas alike. Her emphasis on YIMBYism reflects a broader trend among policymakers to embrace development that benefits communities directly. The initiative is poised to transform the housing landscape by encouraging innovative solutions to longstanding challenges.