As the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act moves closer to becoming law, Rice University experts are available to discuss what the bipartisan housing package could mean for homebuyers, renters, developers and communities nationwide.
The legislation, which passed both chambers of Congress, aims to address housing affordability by expanding housing supply, updating federal housing programs and encouraging investment in affordable housing. The package includes provisions focused on housing production, manufactured housing, small-dollar mortgages, Community Development Block Grant reforms, veterans housing and oversight of federal housing agencies.
Researchers with Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research are available to discuss what the law could mean for housing markets nationwide and how it may affect fast growing metropolitan areas like Houston. The institute recently released its 2026 State of Housing in Harris County and Houston report, providing timely local context on affordability, housing supply and neighborhood change.
Housing markets and affordability
Stephen Averill Sherman, associate director of research with the Center for Housing and Neighborhoods at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Sherman’s research focuses on housing affordability, residential development, housing finance and the economic forces shaping local housing markets.
He can discuss:
- How the legislation could affect home prices, rents and housing supply.
- Whether increasing housing production is likely to improve affordability.
- The interaction between federal housing policy, mortgage financing and local market conditions.
- What the legislation could mean for Houston and other rapidly growing metropolitan regions.
- Why housing affordability has become a national policy priority.
- The social impacts of housing shortages and rising housing costs.
Local implementation and neighborhood development
Caroline Cheong, associate director of community engagement of the Center for Housing and Neighborhoods at Rice’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Cheong leads research and partnerships focused on housing, neighborhood development and community engagement across the Houston region.
She can discuss:
- How local governments and community organizations may implement the legislation.
- Opportunities and challenges for expanding affordable housing.
- How increased housing development can affect neighborhoods and quality of life.
- What Houston’s experience can teach other growing metropolitan areas adapting to the new law.
- How federal housing policy influences communities, neighborhoods and families.
- What challenges may remain even as new housing policies are implemented.
To schedule an interview with any of Rice’s experts, contact media relations specialists Kat Cosley Trigg at kat.cosley.trigg@rice.edu.