September 06, 2026 to September 12, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Financial Services Committee to Consider Various Measures: The House Financial Services Committee will hold a markup session on various measures on September 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm in Room 2128 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Federal Government News

HUD Notice on CoC Program: Public Comment Requested for Expanded Homelessness Activities

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a request for public comment on potential new incentives in the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, referencing research supporting expanded funding for transitional housing, supportive services, and recovery-oriented housing for people experiencing homelessness. The notice details research and stakeholder feedback informing policy proposals and makes available the evidence HUD considered in determining effective strategies, including state and municipal practices and service models. Stakeholders can submit comments by October 13, 2026. Among the activities under consideration for additional incentives are partnerships with law enforcement, enhanced case management, and sober housing options. HUD's analysis includes performance data, legislative context, and examples from major urban areas. Policy proposals will be finalized following the comment period.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIST Announces Public Comment on Proposed Revision to PS 2-25, Performance Standard for Wood Structural Panels

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking public input on proposed changes to Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-25. The updated standard, coordinated with the APA – The Engineered Wood Association and approved by the PS 2 Standing Committee, would revise criteria including definitions, bending strength specifications, categories, testing procedures, and certification requirements for wood structural panels used in construction applications. Feedback is due by October 13, 2026, to the NIST Standards Coordination Office. Both the draft and current standards are available online, with a final notice to be published after comments are reviewed. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to review and respond to changes that may impact sheathing applications, floor systems, and third-party quality assurance programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Seeks OMB Approval for Park Model RV Exemption Information Collection

A 60-day notice from HUD requests approval for continued information collection related to the Park Model RV exemption under the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act. PMRV manufacturers are required to provide specific notices certifying recreational use standards in accordance with ANSI or NFPA codes, both in the unit's kitchen and delivered to the consumer. The estimated respondent universe includes 26 manufacturers with 4,659 annual responses, totaling 26 annual burden hours. Comments are open until November 10, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Issues Preliminary Results in Antidumping Review: Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Malaysia

The Department of Commerce issued preliminary findings in the 2024–2025 antidumping administrative review on prestressed concrete steel wire strand from Malaysia, determining that mandatory respondents sold at less than normal value during the review period. Commerce is rescinding the review for one company, Southern Steel Sdn. Bhd., due to lack of entries. The notice further outlines weighted-average dumping margins for subjects and details deadlines for public comment on the methodology and findings.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Approves Clean Air Act Permits for Concrete and Stone Facilities in Indian Country

The Environmental Protection Agency granted final approval for seven requests for coverage under the General Air Quality Permit for Minor Source Concrete Batch Plants in Indian Country and for three minor source stone quarrying and crushing facilities. Permits cover facilities in Arizona and New Mexico, authorizing construction and operation under the Tribal Minor New Source Review program. All relevant permit and docket information is available on regulations.gov for interested parties.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The poorest in the US can’t find housing even as low-income units sit empty: A report examines persistent barriers facing low-income Americans unable to access available housing units.
• A Century to Build Enough Affordable Rentals: Analysis explores projections showing it could take decades to meet demand for affordable rental housing in the US.
• Want to Entice New Residents? Offer Cash, for a Start.: Rural communities deploy cash incentives to attract new residents and improve local economies.
• White House copper tariff plan stalls amid affordability concerns, sources say: White House plans for new copper tariffs face delays amid worries over rising construction costs.
• The Simple Request That Could Lower Your Mortgage Rate: Homebuyers may benefit from negotiating mortgage rates directly with lenders, according to mortgage experts.
• EU proposes simpler public tender rules, 'Buy European' criteria to cut foreign dependence: The EU proposes new procurement rules favoring domestic products in public sector construction projects.
• College Athletes Used to Live in Dorms. Now They’re Buying Million-Dollar Homes.: Some college athletes are investing name-image-likeness earnings into high-value real estate.
• New Zealand to allow wealthy migrants to build rental housing: New Zealand introduces a program enabling affluent migrants to invest in new rental housing construction.
• Lineage Sues Solar-Panel Company, Contractor Over L.A. Warehouse Fire: A major warehouse owner pursues legal action following an alleged fire linked to solar panel installation defects.

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