HUD and DOI announce Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing

Key Takeaways

On March 17, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced the creation of the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the nation’s housing crisis by leveraging federally owned land for residential development. The task force will collaborate closely with local leaders, county officials and community stakeholders to identify suitable federal land that can be converted into housing developments and streamline land transfer processes that often require approval from multiple agencies.

There is a shortage of more than 3.8 million housing units across the country, affecting communities of all sizes and economic backgrounds. This housing deficit contributes to rising home prices, increased rent burdens and challenges in housing accessibility for low- and middle-income families. By identifying and repurposing federal land for residential development, the task force aims to expand housing opportunities and alleviate these pressures.

DOI manages more than 500 million acres of federally owned land, accounting for roughly 78 percent of all federally owned land in the United States. The distribution of this land varies by state, with certain regions having a significant portion of land under federal control. For example, in Nevada, approximately 80 percent of the land is federally owned, presenting a unique opportunity to explore residential development in partnership with state and local governments.

While this initiative is still being developed, counties are excited by the opportunities presented by the partnership between DOI, HUD, local and state governments. As the leaders closest to the ground, counties provide an invaluable wealth of local knowledge and experience that will be essential to the effective implementation of this landmark initiative.  

How does this impact counties?

County governments are inextricably linked to housing availability and affordability. Though the specifics of the housing shortage vary from county to county, local governments play a large role in controlling and implementing zoning changes, building permits and property taxes that impact the development of housing. As the task force begins its work, it will be crucial to balance the need for expedited development with environmental conservation and sustainable urban planning, ensuring that newly developed housing communities are both livable and resilient.

Counties will play a significant role in shaping the task force’s agenda, particularly those with large portions of federally owned land. Many counties, especially in the western United States, struggle with limited land availability for housing development due to federal ownership restrictions. By identifying and streamlining the transfer of suitable federal land, counties will have new opportunities to expand their housing supply. This initiative could lead to increased economic activity, as new housing developments attract businesses, create jobs in construction and real estate and boost local tax revenues. Counties look forward to close collaboration with federal agencies to navigate environmental regulations, infrastructure planning and zoning considerations to ensure the successful delivery of sustainable and impactful housing projects.