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Congress is making rare bipartisan progress on housing with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, one of the most comprehensive federal housing packages in decades. The legislation focuses on increasing housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, and modernizing federal housing programs to better support communities facing affordability challenges.
Key provisions would:
- Expand tools to boost housing production and reduce local barriers
- Modernize federal programs that support workforce and affordable housing
- Encourage conversion of underused commercial space into housing
- Support modular and manufactured housing innovation
- Address investor-driven pressures in the single-family housing market
Where things stand
The U.S. Senate passed the bill in March with overwhelming bipartisan support (89–10), signaling strong national alignment on the urgency of housing supply. The House has also advanced housing legislation, but the two chambers must still reconcile differences before sending a final package to the President.
Oregon’s federal delegation has been actively engaged in advancing bipartisan housing solutions. Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley have long championed efforts to expand housing supply and affordability, consistently elevating Oregon’s housing challenges at the federal level. In the House, Rep. Janelle Bynum, who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, including the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, is directly involved in shaping federal housing policy and advancing practical, bipartisan solutions. Her role ensures Oregon communities have a voice in key policy decisions as this package moves forward.
Why this matters for Bend
For Central Oregon, where rapid population growth, limited land supply, and workforce housing shortages continue to strain employers and the local economy, this legislation aligns closely with regional priorities. Tools to increase housing production, support infrastructure, and expand innovative construction methods could help communities like Bend keep pace with demand.
Local employers continue to cite housing availability as a top barrier to workforce recruitment and retention—impacting everything from healthcare and education to hospitality and small business growth. Federal action that provides flexibility and resources to communities on the ground will be critical to addressing these challenges.
As Congress works to finalize the bill, continued advocacy from Bend and across Central Oregon will be essential to ensure the final package delivers meaningful, locally relevant solutions.
