States and Counties Move to Boost Housing Supply Now
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Indianapolis — Governor Mike Braun signed HEA 1001 on Monday, requiring every city, town and county to evaluate barriers to housing, hold public hearings this year on expanding supply, and submit annual progress reports to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority; the law emphasizes reducing parking mandates, permitting smaller lots and enabling higher density. Seattle officials are pursuing creation of a state Department of Housing after Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an executive order in December that convened elected officials, agency staff and tribal representatives to develop proposals; in Central Florida, Orange County plans to invest $160 million over ten years to build or preserve 11,000 affordable units by 2030, according to a 2025 University of Florida study.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- December — Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an executive order to explore a Washington Department of Housing.
- 2025 — University of Florida study found 64,000 Orange County households paying more than 40% of income on rent.
- Early 2026 — Orange County announced a $160 million, ten-year plan to build or preserve 11,000 affordable units by 2030.
- This week (Monday) — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed HEA 1001 requiring local hearings and annual housing progress reports.
- This year — Local governments in Indiana must hold public hearings and begin submitting progress reports to the state authority.
Why This Matters to You
Your town could be next. These moves in Indiana, Washington, and Florida aim to make housing more affordable and accessible. Check your local government's website for any upcoming public hearings on housing. Your voice matters.
The Bottom Line
Housing affordability is a pressing issue nationwide. These states are taking proactive steps to increase supply and lower costs. If successful, these strategies could become models for other states. Worth forwarding if you know someone struggling with high rent.
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Developers, municipalities, and prospective homebuyers may benefit from streamlined permitting, reduced regulatory barriers, and targeted public investments intended to increase housing supply.
Rent-burdened households and low-income residents continue to face immediate affordability pressures while awaiting construction, policy rollout, and completed affordable units.
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States and Counties Move to Boost Housing Supply Now
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