August 30, 2026 to September 05, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Repeal of Fossil Fuel Restrictions for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations

The Department of Energy has extended the compliance date for regulations requiring reduced fossil fuel-generated energy consumption in new federal buildings and major renovations. The compliance date for 10 CFR part 433, subpart B, and 10 CFR part 435, subpart B, adopted in May 2024 and previously stayed, is now delayed to March 1, 2027. The decision follows additional executive orders issued in 2025 prioritizing energy security and reliability, including E.O. 14154 and E.O. 14262. While the review of the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (CER) implementation guidance continues, agencies are not required to meet these energy performance standards. The stay affects agencies beginning design for new construction or major renovations after May 1, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FDIC Implements 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Brokered and Reciprocal Deposits

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced an interim final rule to conform its brokered deposit regulations to amendments under Section 902 of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, effective July 11, 2026. The rule revises the general cap for reciprocal deposits, now using a tiered methodology (50% up to $1 billion in liabilities, 40% for the next $9 billion, and 30% above that up to $96.33 billion, to a maximum of $30 billion). The definition of 'agent institution' for reciprocal deposit purposes now includes those with a CAMELS rating of 1, 2, or 3 and that are well capitalized. Clarifying guidance covers the calculation period for caps and reporting in the Call Report, with corresponding updates by the FFIEC expected. The interim rule takes effect September 1, 2026, and public comment is open until October 1, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Housing Trust Fund: Fiscal Year 2026 Allocations Announced

HUD published funding allocations for the 2026 Housing Trust Fund, with $255,516,650.92 distributed to 56 eligible grantees. California will receive the highest allocation at $28.2 million, followed by New York at $18 million and Texas at $12.1 million. The HTF is supported by 4.2 basis points from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's annual new mortgage purchases, with the fund dedicated to increasing and preserving affordable rental housing for extremely and very low-income families. Smaller allocations are confirmed for territories such as American Samoa and Guam. The notice notes the ongoing suspension of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority. For inquiries, parties are directed to HUD's Office of Grant Programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Publishes FY 2027 Fair Market Rents for Housing Programs

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has published Fiscal Year 2027 Fair Market Rents (FMRs), effective October 1, 2026 and open for public comment through October 1, 2026. The FMRs set rental payment standards for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and various other HUD rental assistance programs. This cycle, HUD adjusts the utility component's calculation following Bureau of Labor Statistics changes, details the rolling average methodology for ACS data, and issues updated gross rent inflation and trend factors. Requests for FMR reevaluation are due within 30 days and must be supported by data more recent than 2024 ACS data. HUD outlines the procedure for reevaluation requests and notes new Small Area FMRs for certain metropolitan regions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Invites Comment on Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Training Information Collection

The Department of Labor announced a request for public comment on its Occupational Safety & Health Administration information collection covering fall protection systems and related training requirements for employers in construction, as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.502 and 1926.503. Employers must certify safety nets, document training with written certification records, and maintain related documentation. The notice estimates 449,782 respondents, 6.7 million responses, and 560,607 annual burden hours. Comments are accepted until October 1, 2026 on www.reginfo.gov, referring to OMB Control Number 1218-0197.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• U.S. Adds a Whopping 162,000 Jobs in a Bright Spot for the Economy: U.S. employment surged in August, led by manufacturing and construction job growth.
• TaipeiPLAS 2026 Unveils Plastics and Rubber Program on Circular Materials, Market Trends and Sustainability: International industry players are set to convene for TaipeiPLAS 2026, with sessions on circularity and market outlook.

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