April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Education and Workforce Hearing: 'Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining': The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a hearing titled 'Protecting Workers and Powering America: The Future of Mining' at Vincennes University Gibson County Center, Fort Branch, IN, on May 8, 2026.

Federal Government News

Rescission of Final Determination: Energy Efficiency Standards for HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture rescinded the 'Final Determination: Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA Financed Housing' originally published in April 2024. This action follows a federal court decision vacating the rule and aligns with administration goals to reduce housing costs and expand supply. The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standards are no longer applicable to HUD and USDA programs. Agencies cited rising construction costs, outdated economic analyses, and diminished Section 45L New Energy Tax Credit availability as factors contributing to this rescission. The programs will revert to earlier standards, and related notices extending the rule's effective date are nullified.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Executive Order: Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting

President Trump issued an executive order instructing executive agencies to prioritize fixed-price contracting with performance incentives for federal contracts, requiring justification and approval for exceptions exceeding certain monetary thresholds. Large non-fixed-price contracts must be reviewed and modified where feasible, and agencies are to report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) semi-annually on contract usage and adjustments. The OMB and Office of Federal Procurement Policy are directed to develop guidance, update federal regulations, and introduce training programs to ensure implementation and fiscal responsibility.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Delay of Effective Date

HUD delayed indefinitely the effective date for all provisions of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program final rule not yet in effect. The delay affects amendments to 24 CFR 92.250 on green building standards and 24 CFR 92.253 regarding tenant protections and selection, pending further comment and a new final rule. The change follows postponements initiated after the January 2025 regulatory freeze memorandum, with additional rulemaking imminent.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs: Proposed Revisions

HUD proposed a rule revising Equal Access regulations to comply with Executive Order 14168, removing references to 'gender' and 'gender identity' in favor of 'sex' as defined by immutable biological classification. Providers of single-sex facilities may require assurances to confirm sex, and preemption of conflicting state or local laws is contemplated. Comments are accepted through June 29, 2026. The rule, covering a wide range of HUD programs, is positioned as reducing regulatory burden and updating nondiscrimination standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

New Economic Data Released by the White House

The White House reported residential construction at its highest point in over a year, improved housing supply, declining home prices in more than half the U.S., and slowed rent growth. Income growth has outpaced rents, restoring pre-pandemic ratios. Manufacturing orders and shipments increased, while major regional surveys show broad factory activity growth. Consumer confidence rose, jobless claims reached lows not seen since 1969, and Q1 economic growth accelerated due to business investment and consumer demand.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act

Bill 4214, titled the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act, focusing on environmental protection, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 543.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to improve Federal permitting, and for other purposes.

Bill 4475 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The legislation aims to improve federal permitting processes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide a credit for middle-income housing

Bill 8626, seeking to amend the Internal Revenue Code to create a credit for middle-income housing, was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act

Bill 7432, the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act, was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by a vote of 40 - 0. The bill addresses housing supports for youth in foster care.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026

Bill 3993, titled the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, had hearings held in the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and focuses on apprenticeship access.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Launches UC Degree Plus Program for Workforce Readiness

The UC Degree Plus Program pilots at UCSB and UCSD, combining degrees with skill certificates and internships. UC Extension serves 300,000 annually.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Construction Begins on Four Upgraded Waterbury Branch Line Stations in Connecticut

Connecticut starts construction to upgrade Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour Metro-North stations, improving platform capacity, accessibility, and amenities.

Sources: portal.ct.gov

Senate Enrolled Act 14 Simplifies Indiana State Pension Processes

SEA 14 allows Indiana state employees more flexibility in retirement plan selection and increases death benefits for fallen police officers and firefighters.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Pasadena City College Construction Trades Lab Expands Through LA Rises Funding

Governor Newsom visited Pasadena City College's expanded Construction Trades Lab, backed by LA Rises funding; over 245,000 registered apprenticeships have been created statewide since 2019.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Indiana Enacts Ban on Land Ownership by Foreign Adversaries

SEA 256 prevents nations designated as adversaries from acquiring land in Indiana, expanding previous restrictions on foreign ownership of farmland.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

What We're Reading This Week

• You're probably paying more for insurance lately. A new study suggests federal action to cut costs: Analysis of rising insurance costs and potential federal response measures.
• U.S. Housing Starts Rose in March: U.S. housing starts climbed in March as builders responded to strong demand.
• Opinion | Why some of America’s greatest projects would be impossible today: Regulatory barriers pose challenges for major infrastructure projects in the current climate.
• Homes for Sale in Manhattan and Brooklyn: Manhattan and Brooklyn see diverse real estate listings amid shifting market trends.
• Homes for Sale in New York and New Jersey: New York and New Jersey feature a mix of homes for sale as regional housing activity continues.

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