Story perspectives

Trump Signs Housing Act; Experts Question Quick Rent Relief

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump refused to veto, letting the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act become law on July 11.
The law ties block-grant money to cities that add housing, creates a $200 million innovation fund, streamlines environmental reviews, permits six-story walk-ups, and eliminates a 1970s chassis rule.
Housing experts warn that mortgage rates above 6 percent and limited local zoning authority make the act unlikely to lower rents soon.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump refused to veto, letting the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act become law on July 11.
The law ties block-grant money to cities that add housing, creates a $200 million innovation fund, streamlines environmental reviews, permits six-story walk-ups, and eliminates a 1970s chassis rule.
Housing experts warn that mortgage rates above 6 percent and limited local zoning authority make the act unlikely to lower rents soon.