August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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 Amendments to Title VI Regulations on Disparate Impact Liability

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its Title VI regulations, removing provisions that impose disparate-impact liability on recipients of federal financial assistance. The proposed rule would eliminate regulatory requirements for conduct that results in unintentional discriminatory effects, aligning HUD policy with the Department of Justice's recent revisions. The changes affect Title VI enforcement in areas including site selection, employment practices, and affirmative action requirements under federally funded housing programs and construction activities. HUD estimates that the deregulatory action will decrease enforcement costs and compliance burdens for recipients, particularly those involved in construction and property development. Recipients will be required to adhere only to regulations prohibiting intentional discrimination. Public comments on the proposed rule are due by October 9, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OMB Reviews Architect-Engineer Qualifications (SF-330) Submission

The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the extension of the information collection for Standard Form (SF) 330, used by architect-engineer firms to submit qualifications for federal contracts. The form is required for contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold and enables agencies to assess experience, personnel, and project history. The collection covers about 402 respondents annually, totaling 46,632 hours of burden. Recent public comments advocated modernizing SF-330, such as releasing editable versions and updating contact information. The FAR Council responded that significant revisions would require rulemaking, which will be addressed in upcoming updates to FAR Parts 14, 28, and 36.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

VA Continues Adapted Housing Program Support for Veterans and Servicemembers

The Veterans Affairs Department announced ongoing support for its Adapted Housing Grant program, with the renewal of information collection under VA Form 26-4555c. The program assists eligible veterans and servicemembers in acquiring or modifying homes to address special needs, with 1,400 respondents anticipated and a total annual burden of 350 hours. Information collected will inform suitability and modifications for housing projects. The renewal maintains compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Issues Tariffs on Drones and Components to Strengthen U.S. Supply Chains

President Trump signed a proclamation imposing tariffs on imported drones and components, with rates of 100% for larger drones, 25% for smaller drones and parts, and varying lower rates for imports from selected countries. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to develop an onshoring initiative for drone manufacturing. Some exemptions and delayed implementation for specific components are set for up to 180 days. These actions build on prior executive orders and Section 232 measures targeting critical industrial sectors, aiming to expand domestic drone production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Announces Measures to Restore U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity

President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum targeting long-term issues in Navy and commercial shipbuilding. Directives include replacing advanced systems with traditional components on CVN-81, adopting direct investment approaches, and permitting temporary foreign construction for U.S. ships. New measures establish a fifth Naval shipyard, a component repair center for submarine programs, and reforms within Naval Sea Systems Command. The memorandum introduces the Office of Maritime and Industrial Capacity and outlines tax incentives for shipbuilding, aiming to expand workforce and increase commercial shipbuilding output.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Second HUD Non-Vacant Loan Sale (HNVLS 2026-1) Announced

HUD announced its updated intent to conduct a sale of approximately 1,500 Secretary-held reverse mortgage loans secured by occupied properties, totaling about $465 million in loan balances. Sale bids are scheduled for September 1, 2026, and successful bidders must submit deposits according to sale terms. Mortgage loans are sold without FHA insurance and servicing released. The sale aims to mitigate risk for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and expedite asset disposition.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OMB Reviews Extension for Contract Financing Information Collection

OMB is reviewing the extension of the information collection for contract financing, relevant to federal procurement involving commercial products and services. The requirements cover performance-based payments, installment payments, and financing terms. The General Services Administration reports 49 respondents annually with a total burden of 742 hours. Collected information assists contracting officers in processing financing requests and establishing payment terms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OMB Reviews Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds Submission

The General Services Administration submitted for OMB review an information collection extension covering prospective subcontractor requests for bonds. Under FAR 52.228-12, prime contractors must promptly provide payment bond copies to prospective subcontractors or suppliers for construction contracts. GSA reports 317 respondents annually with a 270-hour burden. Public comments supported the extension, citing protections for prospective subcontractors.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Solicits Comment on TSCA Section 4 Test Orders and Exemptions Data Collection Renewal

The Environmental Protection Agency published notice of an information collection renewal under the Toxic Substances Control Act Section 4. Entities affected include chemical manufacturers and processors, with mandatory reporting aimed at supporting health and safety evaluations. EPA projects 353 respondents annually and a total burden of 119,546 hours over three years, with an increase in estimated burden due to more test orders under recent rules. Comments from stakeholders are requested by October 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

GSA Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Migrates Nondiscrimination Rules

The General Services Administration released its semiannual regulatory agenda, migrating nondiscrimination regulations from the Federal Property Management Regulation to the General Services Administration Property Management Regulations and aligning them with Department of Justice standards. The agenda includes updates on telecommunications prohibitions, contractor disclosure for high-security leased spaces, and Section 504 regulations under the Rehabilitation Act. Public comments are invited through regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Labor Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Released

The Department of Labor published its semiannual regulatory agenda covering wage and hour, employment, safety, and apprenticeship regulations under active consideration. Anticipated rules include tip regulations, wage protections for foreign workers, independent dispute resolution under the No Surprises Act, and proposed standards for heat injury/illness prevention. The agenda provides updated information for construction and mechanical contracting firms affected by federal wage, occupational safety, and apprenticeship rules.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act

Bill 10075 was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill proposes new affordability measures for first-time homebuyers, aiming to address mortgage access and related housing market constraints.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis

Bill 10096 was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. The legislation seeks to establish a task force to analyze the effects of the affordable housing crisis on communities and industry segments.

Sources: www.congress.gov

First Time Homebuyer Debt Reduction Act

Bill 10084 was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. It introduces mechanisms to reduce debt burdens for new homebuyers, targeting down payment and mortgage relief.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Eviction Diversion Grant Program Act

Bill 10103, recently referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, would direct HUD to establish a grant program for local governments to create or expand eviction diversion programs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Safety Starts at the Top Act of 2026

Bill 10077 was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It provides new safety requirements for construction and infrastructure projects, focusing on management oversight.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Homes for Sale in New York and New Jersey: New York Times surveys current offerings and housing demand trends near New York City.
• Australia promised 1.2 million new homes, but builders are at their limits: Reuters outlines capacity constraints facing Australian homebuilders amid government targets.
• ANZ says home loan applications fall 12%, records A$1.9 billion quarterly profit: ANZ Bank reports a notable decline in home loan applications following property tax changes.
• Heat, Fire, Smoke and Storms Are Wreaking Havoc on the Economy: Economic reporting on how extreme weather events are affecting business and property.
• Opinion | UWM Is a Government Mortgage Canary: Wall Street Journal column discusses trends in the government mortgage market via UWM.
• Bank of America pledges $250 billion for US infrastructure financing: Reuters details Bank of America's major commitment to infrastructure and technology projects in the U.S.
• Trump asks US Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to continue: Reuters covers Trump’s legal bid regarding White House ballroom construction project.

.