Reps. Schiff And Gomez Introduce New Affordable Housing Bill

California Representatives Adam Schiff and Jimmy Gomez introduced the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act yesterday, legislation which will support the conversion of unused and underutilized federal, state, and local government-owned buildings into affordable housing units. Citing an unprecedented housing inventory shortage across the U.S., the legislation aims to close an under-supply gap of 5.5 million units. 

The price tag attached to the legislation? $1.25 billion over five years.

“In a time where so many Americans are continually struggling to find safe, affordable housing, the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act represents a step forward in our efforts to address the housing crisis,” said Schiff. “By repurposing government buildings that have outlived their original use, we’re not only making efficient use of our resources but also increasing the supply of affordable housing. We cannot stand by while the housing shortage displaces families and erodes the middle class. It’s time to employ a broad range of strategies to ensure that every American has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Specifically, the Act would direct the Office of Housing and Urban Development, the General Services Administration and the Office of Management and Budget to work in coordination to identify vacant and underutilized federal buildings that would be suitable for residential use development, maintain the public list sale opportunities, and provide an annual report to Congress on these efforts. The legislation also provides additional funding to study the effectiveness of office building to residential property conversions.