Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) introduced a bill that would facilitate the conversion of unused and underutilized government buildings into affordable housing units.
“The Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act gets to the heart of why I founded the Renters Caucus – to find innovative solutions to the housing crisis,” Gomez said. “Our country has always used ingenuity to guide us through our most daunting challenges, and it’s time to start thinking that way about housing.
“I’m proud to join Rep. Schiff to introduce this bill that tackles two crises at once – empty or underutilized buildings and a lack of affordable housing,” he added. “This will support the economic growth of our cities, strengthen main street small businesses and provide affordable places to live for our communities.”
The bill would direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the General Services Administration, and the Office of Management and Budget to identify buildings owned by federal, state, or local government entities that are underutilized and eligible to convert into affordable residential projects and for other purposes.
“In a time where so many Americans are continually struggling to find safe, affordable housing, the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act represents a step forward in our efforts to address the housing crisis,” Schiff said. “By repurposing government buildings that have outlived their original use, we’re not only making efficient use of our resources but also increasing the supply of affordable housing. We cannot stand by while the housing shortage displaces families and erodes the middle class. It’s time to employ a broad range of strategies to ensure that every American has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Once the bill passed, HUD would be tasked with establishing a grant program known as the Office to Residential Affordable Housing Conversion Program to make grants available on a competitive basis to state and local governments for these projects. The initial text of the bill stated an authorized appropriation of $250 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
Groups in support of the bill included the California State Association of Counties, LeadingAge, National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the National Community Development Association.
“The United States is facing an unprecedented housing inventory shortage,” NAR President Kevin Sears said. “As a result, renters are faced with increased housing costs associated with an under-supply gap of 5.5 million units. The National Association of Realtors thanks Congressman Schiff for introducing the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act, which incentivizes the conversion of unused government buildings into affordable housing units. It is critical for Congress to create new ways to incentivize affordable housing development, and NAR commends Congressman Schiff for his leadership on this issue.”