# Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2023

This bill creates a financial incentive for cities and states to make it easier to build apartments and affordable housing near public transportation. When the federal government awards grants to fund transit projects like bus systems or light rail, this bill lets them give bonus points to projects in areas that have removed rules blocking housing construction.

The bill defines "pro-housing policies" as specific actions that remove barriers to building homes. These include getting rid of parking requirements (which can make housing more expensive), allowing apartment buildings to be approved automatically if they meet clear zoning standards without needing special permission, reducing minimum lot sizes, and allowing taller buildings or more units. Cities could also qualify by dedicating public land for affordable housing development. Essentially, the bill rewards communities that streamline their approval processes and reduce regulations that make housing harder or more expensive to build.

Here's how it works in practice: A city applies for federal money to expand its bus system. If that city has recently passed pro-housing policies in neighborhoods near the proposed bus routes, the transit project gets a higher score in the federal evaluation process. This makes it more likely to win funding. The federal government will work with the Housing and Urban Development department to track how many new homes—especially affordable ones—actually get built as a result of these policies. The goal is to connect better public transportation with more housing options, particularly for lower-income residents who benefit most from living near transit and not needing a car.