September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

DOE Suspends Legal Effect of Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing

On September 18, 2026, the Department of Energy issued notice that its energy conservation standards for manufactured housing, published in May 2022, have no legal effect following enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The ROAD Act stipulates that only standards adopted by HUD per consensus standards and regulatory process are valid. No qualifying HUD standards have been adopted to date. DOE announced it will not enforce its previously established standards and will undertake rulemaking to update regulations in accordance with legislative changes. This clarification affects compliance expectations for manufactured housing builders and industry participants and remains effective until further notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Proposed for Construction and Architect-Engineering Contracts

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, comprising OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA, released proposed amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation on September 18, 2026. The rule would reorganize acquisition phases, revise clause language, standardize procedures, and restructure policies for sealed bidding, bonds, insurance, and construction contracts. Part 36, governing construction and architect-engineer contracts, would see streamlining of content and removal of outdated clauses. Stakeholders are invited to submit public comments by October 19, 2026. Updates are expected to adjust compliance and contract administration practices across federal construction procurement, including implications for small business entities.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FHFA Solicits Comment on Federal Home Loan Bank Capital Stock Collection Extension

On September 18, 2026, the Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a 60-day notice regarding its information collection for Federal Home Loan Bank capital stock, seeking public comment before submitting for a three-year extension of OMB control number 2590-0002. The agency estimates an annual burden of 19,898 hours for institutions submitting reports on asset holdings and activity-based transactions to maintain minimum stock requirements. Member institutions must purchase and hold prescribed minimum capital stock to access advances. Comments should be submitted by November 17, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FHFA Seeks Input on Members of Federal Home Loan Banks Information Collection

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, on September 18, 2026, invited public comments on its 'Members of the Banks' information collection, which supports eligibility determination, membership applications, withdrawals, and transfers in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The proposed extension would continue the requirement for member financial institutions to submit applications, withdrawal notices, appeals, and transfer requests in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The agency projects an annual hour burden of 1,637 hours across these activities. Comments are due November 17, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Extends Restrictions on Entry of Certain H-1B Nonimmigrant Workers

On September 18, 2026, President Donald J. Trump extended Proclamation 10973 for twelve months, maintaining restrictions on entry for certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers. The extension retains requirements for a $100,000 payment and prioritizes higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants, aiming to address wage suppression and displacement. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor continue to enforce rules aligning prevailing wages with US workers, resulting in a marked drop in registrations by large IT outsourcing firms. Compliance measures remain in effect, with further review scheduled for potential future extensions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada Housing Starts Edge Down in August: New data show Canadian residential construction starts decreased slightly in August.
• US single-family housing starts rebound in August; building permits fall: US single-family housing starts increased in August but building permit volume declined.
• U.S. Housing Starts Fell in August, Missing Expectations: August US housing starts figures failed to meet industry forecasts.
• US labor market on solid footing; rising mortgages pressuring housing sector: Strong US labor market persists; mortgage rates create headwinds for housing.
• The Stagnant Housing Market Is About to Face a 7% Mortgage: Mortgage rates near 7 percent threaten to further constrain US housing activity.
• Exclusive | Airbnb Sets Up $250 Million Fund to Invest in Housing Construction: Airbnb launches a fund aimed at investing in new housing construction projects.
• Breakingviews - COMMENTARY: AI boom offers strained construction a lasting fix: AI growth may offer solutions to performance pressures in construction sector.

.