This bill creates a new Office of Housing Innovation inside the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The main job of this office is to give out grants—essentially free money—to help cities and communities tackle their housing problems. The grants support three types of work: first, helping cities plan how to meet their housing needs; second, funding research and studies that give local governments solid information to make better decisions about building new housing and developing their communities; and third, running outreach programs that educate people about housing, community development, and regional planning issues. Think of it as the federal government putting money and resources behind helping cities figure out smarter ways to address their housing shortages and growth. To make sure the program actually works, the Government Accountability Office (a watchdog agency) has to check in and report back on whether these grants are actually making a difference.

Housing Innovation Act

DeSaulnier, Mark

Housing Innovation ActThis bill establishes the Office of Housing Innovation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The office must establish grant programs to support (1) planning efforts that address housing needs in urban areas; (2) research and studies to support, inform, and advise local governments on their plans for new housing and community development; and (3) outreach programs focused on issues related to housing, community development, and regional planning.The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the grant programs.