May 24, 2026 to May 30, 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

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

Federal Government News

President Trump Rescinds Federal Land Access Restrictions

President Trump signed an executive order on May 29, 2026, revoking Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which governed off-road vehicle use and imposed restrictions on federal lands. The directive instructs agencies to revisit policies tied to the prior orders, aiming to increase public access and balance land management while referencing statutory frameworks such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Land Policy and Management Act. No enforceable rights are created by the order, and implementation is subject to legal and budgetary constraints.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Fact Sheet: Federal Land Management Revised

A White House fact sheet details President Trump’s rescission of past federal land management rules, indicating that the move is intended to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth. Modern environmental laws and technologies are cited as sufficient for oversight. The administration references prior efforts, including the Great American Outdoors Act and repeals of NEPA regulations, to further local decision-making and resource development.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Workforce Trends: Skilled Trades Demand Surges

The White House report released May 27, 2026, notes a historic shift toward skilled trades, with 60% of Generation Z planning for trade jobs. Contractors report widespread labor shortages and wage growth, as half of Gen Z college graduates transition to trades. Workforce training has been expanded through Pell Grants, 529 plans, apprenticeship grants totaling $229 million, and policy mechanisms excluding unauthorized labor. Companies including Google, Amazon, and Apple have invested in apprenticeship programs. Growth projections are strong for construction and mechanical trades.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HUD Request for Information: Single Family Minimum Property Requirements

On May 29, 2026, HUD released an RFI seeking public input regarding Minimum Property Requirements (MPR) for FHA-insured mortgages. The department invites stakeholder feedback on policy modernization, distinguishing MPRs from minimum property standards and noting that the current framework dates from Mortgagee Letter 2005-48. Commenters are encouraged to address clarity, alignment with market practices, potential burdens, and repair flexibility. Comments will inform future FHA policy updates; the deadline is June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Information Collection: Inflation Reduction Act Wage Determinations

The Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice on May 27, 2026, soliciting comments on information collection for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) wage rates and wage determinations, with an annual respondent estimate of 2,090. The IRA conditions enhanced tax credits and deductions on compliance with prevailing wage standards, using wage determinations posted on sam.gov or supplemental determinations from the Wage and Hour Division for classifications not covered. DOL seeks approval to collect necessary data to administer these standards. Written comments are due June 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Privacy Act Notice: HUD Remittance and Debt Collection Updates

HUD published a notice proposing modifications to the Remittance and Debt Collection System (HRDC), expanding the authority for maintenance, adding record categories such as assigned account number, updating routine uses for litigation and FOIA mediation, and setting enhanced administrative safeguards. The updated retention policy holds records for six years after payment or cancellation, and the comment period extends through June 29, 2026. Queries should be directed to Kimberly Morton, Acting Chief Privacy Officer.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposal Review Panel for Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation Renewal

The National Science Foundation approved renewal of its Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation Proposal Review Panel, effective June 26, 2026. Comprising approximately 1,250 members and an annual budget of $628,000, the panel will continue to support merit review for grants expected to total $200 million, focusing on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to nuclear engineering. Panel members are selected for scientific and technical expertise to ensure thorough review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Information Collection: Walking-Working Surfaces Standard

On May 29, 2026, the Department of Labor announced a request for comment regarding Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) information collection for the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard. The standard addresses procedures to prevent worker injury associated with ladders, rope descent systems, and unprotected edges. Estimated figures include nearly 590,000 respondents, 1.34 million responses, a time burden of 650,000 hours annually, and other costs totaling $66 million. Public submissions are accepted until June 29, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Information Collection: Evaluation of Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program

HUD has issued a 60-day notice for proposed information collection to evaluate the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Program. The evaluation includes surveys and qualitative interviews with tribal staff and contractors to assess housing needs and program functions. The IHBG supports tribal housing development and is administered by HUD's Office of Native American Programs, complying with Congressional mandates since 2018. The comment period is open through July 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Nuclear Research Reactor Construction Permit Application

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted for review the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's application to construct a research reactor, the KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor, using NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. technology with TRISO fuel. The application was docketed May 18, 2026, and includes technical and environmental submissions. Requests for hearing or intervention must be filed by July 27, 2026; SUNSI access requests are due June 5, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOT Information Collection: Technical Assistance Programs

The Department of Transportation's Build America Bureau seeks comment on information collection activities for its Asset Concession and Innovative Finance Assistance Program and Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. Applications in response to Notices of Funding Opportunity are estimated to require up to 30 hours per submission, with progress reporting adding four hours annually. Affected entities include local governments, nonprofits, and tribal agencies; annual burden estimates cite approximately 16,700 hours and $2.1 million in costs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Conduit Hydropower Facility Preliminary Determination: Cape Horn Mill Project, California

On May 18, 2026, Joshua Klein filed for preliminary determination of the Cape Horn Mill Project as a qualifying conduit hydropower facility, located along the Boardman Canal near Colfax, California. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notes the project’s capacity of up to 40 kW and compliance with statutory requirements for conduit facilities. Comments and motions to intervene are open through June 22, 2026. The facility is not subject to licensing under Part I of the Federal Power Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Third Spaces Infrastructure Pilot Program Bill Introduced

Bill 9032 directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot program for renovating and developing 'third spaces.' The bill was referred on May 26, 2026, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and to the Committee on Financial Services, for jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

High-Speed Rail Corridor Development Bill Referred

Bill 9036 proposes amendments to Title 49 to provide for high-speed rail corridor development. On May 26, 2026, it was assigned to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and to the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Programs Bill Moves Forward

Bill 9041 seeks to establish programs enhancing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize transit bicycle use. The measure was referred May 26, 2026, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and was also referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Video: Can California Convince Teens to Work in Construction?: California expands high school trades education to address labor shortages.
• Opinion | How to Legalize Starter Homes: Lot size ballot initiatives reshape affordable starter home regulations.
• How the Iran War Put Housing’s Spring Thaw Back on Ice: Geopolitical conflict dampens housing market activity in spring 2026.
• Trump Squeezes Immigrants by Cutting Them Off From Jobs, Health Care and Housing: The Trump administration issues new restrictions affecting immigrant access to employment and housing.
• Real-Estate Agents Are Quitting the Slow Housing Market: Persistent housing market slowdown prompts agents to leave the industry.
• Steyer Campaigns on Affordability. Does His Own Mansion Portfolio Matter?: Tom Steyer’s housing initiatives contrast with his own real estate holdings.
• US consulate builder in Milan hit by court action over abuse allegations: A builder of the US consulate in Milan faces legal proceedings on abuse charges.
• Which Is Better? A Role on Broadway or an Apartment in Chelsea?: Renters weigh Broadway careers against affordable housing in Chelsea.
• Brisbane stadium protesters defy eviction threats as construction looms: Protesters resist eviction as Brisbane stadium construction approaches.

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