The Trump administration is creating a task force to address the affordable housing shortage by freeing up federal land.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner announced their collaboration in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development will determine which areas are in most need of affordable housing, and the Interior Department will address environmental effects and land-use restrictions.
“Working together, our agencies can take inventory of underused federal properties, transfer or lease them to states or localities to address housing needs, and support the infrastructure required to make development viable — all while ensuring affordability remains at the core of the mission,” the secretaries wrote.
Approximately one-third of the nation’s land is owned by the federal government. However, only about 7.3% of federal land is within metropolitan areas that are facing a shortage in affordable housing, according to an analysis from the outlet.
In October, a Pew Research survey revealed that 69% of voters were “very concerned” about home prices.
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One of the biggest challenges to acquiring affordable housing is the regulatory process.
“Historically, building on federal land is a nightmare of red tape — lengthy environmental reviews, complex transfer protocols and disjointed agency priorities,” the secretaries wrote. “This partnership will cut through the bureaucracy. Interior will reduce the red tape behind land transfers or leases to public housing authorities, nonprofits and local governments. HUD will ensure these projects align with affordability goals and development needs.”