November 01, 2026 to November 07, 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

HUD Issues Waiver of 30-Day Application Period for Continuum of Care Program

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted a waiver of the statutory 30-day minimum application period for the FY2026 Continuum of Care (CoC) Program funding competition, following disruptions caused by recent litigation. The waiver allows an application period of twelve days for applicants following the NOFO's reopening, as HUD works to meet a Congressional deadline for awards by December 1, 2026. HUD maintains that applicants have had nearly four months to review the NOFO and prepare submissions, reducing the necessity for the standard 30-day window. As nearly 8,000 project applications have been received, including 3,500 new projects and 400 CoCs, HUD expects to use a condensed review timeline to maintain funding continuity and meet statutory requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legal Services Corporation Finalizes Rule on Cost Standards, Prior Approval, and Property Management

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) has issued a final rule updating its cost allowability and procurement regulations applicable to recipients. The rule raises the prior approval monetary threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 for expenditures involving Federal funds. Clarifications were made concerning fundraising activities, specifying that only costs directly attributable to fundraising events must be reimbursed from proceeds, excluding staff salaries and indirect costs. Procedural improvements include revised documentation requirements for prior approval submissions, a cumulative accounting requirement for LSC-funded acquisitions and capital improvements, and a deadline for reporting aligned with annual audited financial statements. The rule is effective June 1, 2027 and responds to stakeholder feedback seeking reduced administrative burden and consistency across 45 CFR parts 1630 and 1631.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Proposes Updates to Family Report Forms for Public Housing and Section 8 Programs

HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing published a 60-day notice seeking comment on proposed changes to its Family Report forms used in public housing and Section 8 programs, including updates for the Moving to Work (MTW) program. The forms, which gather demographic, income, and housing data, have been revised for regulatory clarity, specifically updating terminology on two line items: 'Interim Reexamination/Mid-Cycle Changes' and inspection flexibilities. The estimated reporting burden corresponds to more than two million annual responses, totalling over one million hours and $25.8 million in costs. Comments are invited through January 4, 2027 via regulations.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FHWA Requests Renewal of Information Collection for Federal-Aid Project Agreements

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a notice soliciting public comment on its request to renew the information collection associated with preparation and execution of project agreements and modifications for Federal-aid highway projects. The collection covers formal contracts between State Transportation Departments and FHWA, with an annual estimate of 19,522 agreements requiring one hour each, summing to 19,522 hours of burden. The respondents include all U.S. states and territories. Public input regarding the necessity, accuracy, and burden reduction of the collection can be submitted through January 4, 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Promotes Manufacturing Growth and Factory Construction Employment

In releases from the White House dated November 3 and 6, President Trump announced sustained growth in U.S. manufacturing, pointing to consecutive expansions in factory output and employment. October saw 165,000 jobs added, with over 19,000 in manufacturing—the strongest monthly gain since 2023. Factory construction employment has increased by 120,000 since Trump resumed office, offsetting prior losses. Weekly earnings for manufacturing workers grew 5% year-over-year, while business investment surged 12.7% in Q3 2026. Recent notable projects include Audi's $4 billion factory in Georgia and U.S. Steel's $3 billion mill. The releases also cite a record decline in jobless claims, higher average earnings, and a 12% reduction in the trade deficit, with manufacturing expansion sustained for a tenth consecutive month.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Home Building Slows on Soaring Costs for Materials and Labor: Builders report slower activity amid rising prices for materials and labor.
• Breakingviews - COMMENTARY: Trump failed to make US housing affordable again: Analysis argues that federal efforts did not restore affordable housing options.
• Dubai's Emaar plans offer to buy out construction arm in $3.4 billion deal: Emaar announces proposal to acquire its construction division.
• COMMENTARY: The Senate’s permitting bill is a good deal for clean, affordable energy and the climate: Commentary discusses implications of Senate’s permitting bill for energy markets.
• Build budget 2.0: Review considers fiscal strategies in the Canadian construction sector.

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