June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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

HUD Proposes Revising Definition of “Manufactured Home” to Lower Costs

On June 12, the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a proposed rule amending the definition of “manufactured home” under the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, Model Manufactured Home Installation Standards, and Installation Program. The revision removes the requirement that transportable sections serving as upper floors of multistory homes must be constructed and transported on a permanent chassis, applying the chassis requirement only to the completed structure. HUD estimates this change could reduce production, transportation, and installation costs by $4,800 to $6,700 per unit for multistory manufactured homes. The Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee reviewed and endorsed the change, recommending technical edits. The proposal also includes updates to structural, transportation, and installation standards. Comments are invited by August 11. HUD affirmed that the rule complies with Executive Orders 12866 and 14192 and will not impact small entities significantly. The regulatory amendments affect 24 CFR Parts 201, 3280, 3285, and 3286.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOJ and California Block CalPortland’s Acquisition of Vulcan Ready-Mix Concrete Assets

The Department of Justice, joined by the State of California, filed a civil antitrust complaint against Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, CalPortland Company, and Vulcan Materials Company to halt CalPortland’s proposed $712 million acquisition of Vulcan’s ready-mix concrete operations in San Diego County. The complaint asserts the deal would combine two leading regional suppliers, raising market share above 50% and decreasing competition, with possible effects on prices and quality. The proposed Final Judgment requires divestiture of three plants (Escondido, Oceanside, Lakeside) and associated assets to Holliday Rock or an approved buyer. The settlement includes truck transfers, supply agreements, and transition services for the acquirer. Defendants must enable hiring of relevant personnel and cannot reacquire assets, with a trustee assigned if divestiture is not timely. Provisions require notification for future acquisitions. Public comments can be submitted within 60 days.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Finalizes Noise Abatement and Control Regulation Updates

HUD issued a final rule revising its noise abatement and control regulations under 24 CFR Part 51, effective July 13. The rule transfers authority for approving noise attenuation measures, projects, and Environmental Impact Statement waivers for projects in unacceptable noise zones to relevant program offices, moving away from sole oversight by the Office of Community Planning and Development. It deletes requirements for HUD field staff to conduct noise surveillance and review noise contours. Delegation procedures are updated to permit HUD to designate officials via published or unpublished delegations of authority. The revisions impact administrative burden and process flexibility without introducing new costs or compliance requirements. These changes align with Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192. HUD determined no significant environmental impact.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces National Homeownership Month, Releases Series of Mortgage Initiatives

On June 12, President Donald J. Trump declared National Homeownership Month, outlining executive actions to address housing affordability. Measures highlighted include a new Executive Order to lower housing costs, authorization for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to acquire $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities, and a ban on large institutional investors purchasing single-family homes. The administration is pursuing the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to codify reforms. The announcement referenced enhanced oversight of federal housing programs and efforts to combat fraud. Policies are aimed at facilitating access to homes for families rather than corporations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HUD Seeks Comment on Data Reporting Form, Privacy Systems, and Information Collection

HUD issued several notices during the period. On June 12, HUD published a 60-day notice seeking approval for renewal of the “Race and Ethnic Data Reporting Form” (HUD 27061), affecting 14,375 respondents and used to track protected class information under Fair Housing requirements. HUD also released updates to its Privacy Act system notices for the Central Accounting and Program System (HUDCAPS) and Line of Credit Controls System (LOCCS), detailing revised routine uses, updated records storage and retrieval procedures, and compliance enhancements. The Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture announced a proposed revision to information collection for Direct Single Family Housing Loans and Grants, supporting low- and very low-income applicants in rural areas, with compliance and modernization adjustments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026 (H.R. 9080)

The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026 was introduced, targeting use of mass timber in federal construction. The sponsor delivered introductory remarks (CR H4088). The bill is in the Government Operations and Politics policy area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Housing Supply Fund Act of 2026 (H.R. 9263)

This bill seeks to establish a Housing Supply Fund. Latest action: referred to the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on the Budget for jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Amend Internal Revenue Code for Affordable and Transit-Oriented Development (H.R. 9267)

This bill would modify the low-income housing tax credit to incentivize affordable and transit-oriented development, as well as development in difficult areas. Referred to House Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Provide Rental Vouchers for the Homeless (H.R. 9281)

This bill would expand rental voucher access for the homeless. It was referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Financial Services for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Protect Local Government Authority in Data Center Zoning (H.R. 9262)

The bill proposes protecting local government authority in zoning decisions for data center development and requiring community benefit agreements as a condition for federal tax incentives. It was referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• How Can We Reduce Homelessness? These Success Stories Point the Way: Article reviews effective programs and outcomes for addressing homelessness across communities.
• Housing provider says costs are mounting: Portland housing providers report rising operational costs due to crime impacting affordable housing units.
• These Young Politicians Want to Fix America’s Housing Problems: Younger politicians are proposing new approaches to tackle housing affordability concerns nationwide.
• Opinion | High-Tech Seeks Skilled Tradesmen: The article discusses demand for skilled trades professionals in high-tech construction and manufacturing sectors.
• Opinion | A New York Union Protection Act: Opinion piece covers legislative efforts to strengthen union protections in New York’s labor market.

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