House Tax Reform Bill Would Devastate Affordable Housing

The House tax reform bill threats to drastically reduce the number of affordable housing units developed.

1 minute read

November 8, 2017, 2:00 PM PST

By snewberg @JoeUrbanist


Capitol

Orhan Cam / Shutterstock

A recent study by the accounting firm Novogradac & Company estimates that the tax reform bill as proposed by the House of Representatives will result in a decrease in affordable housing production of 1 million units over ten years. 

At risk is the 4 percent tax credit, one of two credits developers can use to build affordable housing (the 9 percent being the other). The 4 percent credit can be claimed if 50 percent or more of the project is financed using tax-exempt private-activity bonds. The House bill proposed to eliminate private-activity bonds, which would cause a large reduction in the production of low-income housing.

Jeff Andrews provides more coverage of the report in an article for Curbed.

Friday, November 3, 2017 in Curbed

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog