While the ROAD to Housing Act became law on July 11, thus beginning the implementation process, it does not mean every new program or flexibility is immediately available. The next phase will unfold through statutory changes, agency guidance, formal rulemaking, and federal funding decisions. However, there are some key actions communities can take now to better prepare themselves for these changes and begin implementation.
These are actions that don't depend on HUD or Treasury instructions:
1. Learn the legislation
- Identify which provisions are most relevant to your organization.
- Understand what is self-executing versus what requires rulemaking.
- Educate boards, elected officials, developers, and partners.
2. Build your implementation team
Some communities have dedicated housing task forces and committees that could lead strategy, but many communities don't have a coordinated implementation structure.
Examples of members of an implementation team include:
- City
- Housing authority
- CDFIs
- Developers
- Philanthropy
- MPO/COG
- State housing agency
3. Assess local readiness
Ask questions like:
- Which projects could benefit from new tools?
- Which policies may need updating?
- Where are our biggest process bottlenecks?
- What capacity gaps do we have?
- Are there existing plans that should be updated?
This is planning work, not implementation.
4. Continue addressing barriers already within local control
The ROAD Act doesn't replace local action.
Communities can still:
- Improve permitting
- Update zoning
- Improve development review
- Expand local financing tools
- Build project pipelines
These actions will position them to benefit from the new law regardless of the final guidance.
5. Monitor federal implementation
Know what to watch:
- HUD notices
- Treasury guidance
- Rulemaking
- Competitive funding announcements
- Technical assistance opportunities
As federal guidance is released:
Communities should be prepared to:
- Review new guidance and determine applicability.
- Update local policies and underwriting standards as needed.
- Launch or revise funding programs.
- Educate developers and property owners.
- Pursue new funding opportunities.
- Coordinate implementation across agencies and partners.
