This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction as well as infrastructure and government initiatives and programs concerning housing and housing affordability. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

President Trump Increases Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports

President Trump signed a proclamation on April 2 adjusting Section 232 tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, and copper to address national security concerns. Tariffs now apply to the full customs value of metal products and their derivatives, with rates set at 50% for most steel and aluminum, 25% for some copper articles, and reduced rates for qualifying goods. Items made abroad with U.S.-origin metals will see a 10% tariff, while those with less than 15% metal content are exempt. The policy, effective April 6, 2026, replaces previous procedures for derivative articles and includes monitoring provisions and authority for the Secretary of Commerce to address products threatening national security. The White House reports that the U.S. became the third-largest steel producer last year and that new domestic smelting projects are underway.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Rural Housing Service Proposes ADU and Home-Based Operations Rule

On March 31, the Rural Housing Service issued a proposed rule to amend Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program regulations. The proposal would allow loan guarantees for houses with one or multiple income-producing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and clarify provisions for properties with home-based business features. New definitions for 'Accessory Dwelling Unit' and 'Living Unit' are proposed for 7 CFR 3555.10. Comments are due by June 1, 2026, via regulations.gov. The changes aim to expand program eligibility while aligning with definitions used by FHA, VA, and government-sponsored entities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

March Jobs Report Exceeds Forecasts, Driven by Construction Gains

The White House reported on April 3 that the March jobs report showed 178,000 new jobs, including 26,000 in construction, led by specialty trades and residential building. Manufacturing added 15,000 jobs for the first positive growth in three years. Average private sector weekly earnings rose 3.9% year over year. The White House attributes economic momentum to the administration's policies, noting the federal workforce is now at its lowest level since 1966 and labor participation rates among prime-age workers remain elevated.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

EPA Issues Correction to Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Rule

On April 2, the Environmental Protection Agency published a technical correction regarding its regulations for lead-based paint poisoning prevention in residential structures (40 CFR 745.63). The correction removes a duplicate definition of 'Wipe Sample.' The rule pertains to the current requirements for lead-based paint hazard identification and does not alter substantive obligations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Finalizes Countervailing Duties on Rebar from Algeria

The Department of Commerce issued a final affirmative determination on April 1 regarding subsidized steel concrete reinforcing bar imports from Algeria. Subject imports will face a countervailing duty rate of 72.94% for both Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA and all-other producers. The final ruling follows the agency's preliminary determination in January 2026. Suspension of liquidation and cash deposit requirements remain in place pending the U.S. International Trade Commission's final injury decision.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Expanding Workforce and Affordable Housing: HUD Demonstration Program Bill

Bill 8171 would require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create a demonstration program to develop workforce and affordable housing where local workforces are growing. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Financial Services and Appropriations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Database and Grants for Eviction Prevention and Legal Aid

Bill 8185 proposes the creation of an eviction information database, grant programs for eviction prevention and legal aid, and new rules limiting use of housing court records in consumer reports. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Amending Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for Talent Marketplaces

Bill 8183 would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to provide for the establishment of regional talent marketplaces. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Prohibiting Price Discrimination: Amendment to the Clayton Act

Bill 8184 proposes to strengthen the prohibition on price discrimination under the Clayton Act with additional enforcement provisions. The latest action refers the bill to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Supporting Critical Industry Partnerships in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Bill 8181 seeks to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to require states to establish critical industry funds or relevant industry partnerships. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Activates Middle-Mile Broadband Network in Eastern Sierra

California announced the launch of the nation’s largest public open-access broadband network, connecting the Bishop Paiute Tribe and advancing state-led digital infrastructure initiatives.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Illinois Allocates $30 Million Extra for Industrial Site Readiness

Governor Pritzker and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity committed an additional $30 million to the Regional Site Readiness Program, supporting industrial infrastructure and project-ready site development across multiple regions.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

New York Expands Clean Energy Workforce Training with $50 Million

Governor Hochul announced $50 million in new funding for workforce training in energy efficiency and clean energy, as part of a broader $320 million commitment to grow New York’s clean energy industry.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Texas Accepts Applications for Advanced Nuclear Energy Project Funding

Governor Abbott opened applications for $350 million in funding through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, inviting projects focused on advanced nuclear construction and supply chain development.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Ohio Funds New Middle School for Delphos and Modernizes Roadside Infrastructure

Governor DeWine awarded $20 million to replace the 122-year-old Jefferson Middle School in Delphos and celebrated upgraded I-70 rest areas in Madison County, part of broader state infrastructure improvements.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov, governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Japan Is Placing a Multibillion-Dollar Bet on the U.S. Housing Market: Japanese institutional investors commit to large-scale investments in U.S. residential real estate projects.
• After Selling His Company, He Could Have Lived Anywhere. He Chose New Zealand.: A U.S. executive relocates and undertakes a major home renovation amid New Zealand's unique construction climate.
• Jobs and Workers Are In Balance. Nobody Is Happy About It.: The current U.S. labor market presents equilibrium, but long-term implications trouble both employers and employees.
• Housing market trends favor home shoppers, but Iran war clouds the outlook for mortgage rates: Potential buyers face mixed prospects as home supply improves but international tensions impact mortgage rate projections.

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