Cortez Masto, Scott, Smith, Cramer, Young Introduce Hud Manufactured Housing Modernization Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced legislation promoting manufactured housing as part of the solution to America's affordable housing crisis. The HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2019 would ensure that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports state and local governments that wish to include manufactured housing as an affordable housing solution when applying for federal funding.

"We're in the midst of an affordable housing crisis in Nevada, and in communities throughout America. Home prices are rising fast, and Americans are spending a greater share of their paychecks to keep a roof over their heads. It's unacceptable, and we must take immediate action," said Senator Cortez Masto. "This bipartisan legislation recognizes that manufactured housing can be part of the solution."

"Manufactured housing is an affordable housing option for over 22 million Americans, including one out of every five families in South Carolina," said Senator Scott. "Ensuring that we keep this important option open to families puts them in a safer position and a path to affordable home ownership."

"We need to support the affordable housing market and increase housing availability in both urban, rural areas and tribal areas," said Sen. Smith, a member of both the Senate Banking and Indian Affairs Committees. "Manufactured housing is a critical source of affordable housing all over Minnesota, and our bipartisan bill would make sure that more communities across the country think of manufactured housing as a possible solution to their housing needs."

"Nearly 25,000 North Dakota families live in manufactured houses, built for a fraction of the cost of a single-family site-built home. The HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act makes it clear that communities should consider if and how manufactured housing could fit into their affordable housing plans," said Senator Cramer.

"Solving the housing affordability crisis for Hoosiers of all income levels is going to require bold and innovative changes to our nation's housing policies" said Senator Young. "With over 2.5 million Hoosiers already living in manufactured homes -- and with Hoosier workers leading the way in construction of manufactured housing -- I know it's time to put greater emphasis on manufactured housing as a housing affordability solution."

"Manufactured housing is an important option for housing choice in Nevada, particularly in rural Nevada. While manufactured housing comprises less than 10% of the housing stock nationally, it makes up about 1/3 of the housing stock in rural Nevada. In fact, due to the isolated nature of many areas in rural Nevada and the lack of trades in many parts of the state, manufactured housing is the only effective option for many residents in our state," said William Brewer, Executive Director of the Nevada Rural Housing Authority. "We support this change that would help bring manufactured housing to the table as a consideration in solving our housing issues."

BACKGROUND:

The HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2019 would require HUD to issue guidelines for including manufactured housing in state and local governments' Consolidated Plans, which outline their housing and community development priorities, when applying for HUD funding. This legislation will ensure that manufactured housing, a significant source of affordable housing, is considered when jurisdictions develop their housing plans.

Manufactured housing is a significant source of un-subsidized affordable housing, with nearly 22 million Americans living in manufactured housing. Manufactured homes also cost as little as $45,000, while a new single-family site-built home can cost $323,000. The quality of manufactured homes has improved dramatically in recent years; manufactured homes can also be more energy efficient and save families costs on utilities in the long run.

The bill is supported by Prosperity Now, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Manufactured Housing Institute, and the National Association of Manufactured Housing Community Owners.