Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction

3/13/2026

Executive Orders

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Action Summary

Purpose: Reduce regulatory barriers impacting home construction to enhance housing affordability and support a dynamic housing market.
Review and Revision of Federal Regulations:
- Environmental and Construction Permits: Agencies (Army, EPA) to review stormwater, wetlands, and waterbody requirements including permits (e.g., Construction General Permit, Total Maximum Daily Loads, and Clean Water Act section 404 standards) to lower construction costs.
- Regulatory Constraints on Residential Development: Departments including Commerce, HUD, Transportation, and FHFA to eliminate and reform rules that hinder affordable single-family home construction and suburban/exurban development.
- Energy and Water Efficiency Standards: Agencies (Agriculture, HUD, Energy, FHFA) to reassess and potentially reform costly efficiency standards affecting residential and manufactured housing.
Streamlining Federal Permitting:
- The Council on Environmental Quality to provide guidance on applicable categorical exclusions under NEPA to reduce permitting burdens on housing-related projects.
- The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to streamline reporting requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act.
State and Local Regulatory Best Practices:
- HUD, in coordination with the Domestic Policy team, to develop best practices for state/local governments to streamline permitting processes, cap fees, and reduce mandates (e.g., green-energy requirements) that raise housing costs.
- Agencies (Agriculture, HUD, Transportation, EPA) to adjust regulations and technical guidance to support these best practices.
Facilitating Construction in Opportunity Zones:
- Treasury and HUD to evaluate how to better align Opportunity Zone tax incentives with new single-family home investments.
- Consideration of linking Opportunity Zone incentives with the New Markets Tax Credit to boost construction in qualifying low-income and opportunity areas.
General Provisions:
- Clarifies that the order does not impair existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights.
- Implementation subject to applicable law and appropriations; publication costs borne by HUD.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to remove regulatory barriers to affordable home construction, which could lead to a significant increase in competition among housing developers. This may result in a surge of new housing developments that could affect local communities and the environment.
By streamlining permitting processes and revising federal standards, there is a risk of compromising environmental protections. The changes proposed could lead to increased development in sensitive areas, potentially impacting local ecosystems and water quality.
The focus on reducing regulations may lead to faster construction but could also result in decreased quality of housing, as developers might prioritize speed over adherence to safety and sustainability standards.
Vanderbilt University may need to prepare for a shifting demographic in its student population as housing becomes more affordable, which could alter the socioeconomic backgrounds of incoming students and impact the university’s diversity initiatives.
Furthermore, if the order’s implementation leads to significant housing developments in the Nashville area, this could strain local infrastructure and resources, necessitating increased engagement and collaboration between the university and local government.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering might experience increased opportunities for research and collaboration in construction technologies and sustainable building practices, as demand for new housing rises.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development may need to adapt its curriculum to prepare students for careers in urban planning and community development, reflecting the changing landscape of housing in America.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Community Engagement could have an important role in addressing the community impacts of new housing developments, focusing on maintaining community integrity and addressing potential displacement issues.
The Department of Public Policy at Vanderbilt may need to engage in research and advocacy related to housing policy and its implications for local communities, ensuring that the university remains a leader in addressing housing issues.

Financial Impact

Increased housing development may lead to a more robust local economy, benefiting Vanderbilt through enhanced partnerships and potential increases in student enrollment driven by affordable housing.
Vanderbilt University may need to adjust its financial aid strategies to accommodate students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly as housing affordability improves.
Increased competition in housing could also influence the university’s real estate investments and property values, necessitating strategic adjustments in its campus planning and development initiatives.
Potential cuts to federal funding for housing-related research or educational programs could impact Vanderbilt’s budget and necessitate a reevaluation of its funding strategies.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

The Office of Federal Relations should engage with federal agencies to understand the implications of the executive order on housing regulations. This engagement will help Vanderbilt assess potential impacts on housing affordability and development in the surrounding community, allowing the university to advocate for policies that align with its mission and values.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering can explore partnerships with local governments and developers to innovate in affordable housing construction technologies. By contributing research and expertise, the school can help streamline building processes and reduce costs associated with new housing developments.
The Department of Community Engagement should facilitate discussions with community stakeholders about the changes in housing regulations. Understanding community needs and concerns will allow Vanderbilt to position itself as a proactive partner in local housing initiatives and contribute to community well-being.
Vanderbilt’s Urban Studies Program should conduct research on the impact of reduced regulatory barriers on housing markets and affordability. This research can inform university strategies and position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in urban development and housing policy.
The Office of Sustainability should monitor the potential impacts of deregulation on environmental standards in housing development. Engaging in this dialogue will ensure Vanderbilt maintains its commitment to sustainability while navigating changes in housing policies.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Real Estate Studies to analyze the evolving housing market dynamics. By leveraging its research capabilities, the center can provide valuable insights to policymakers and contribute to the discourse on affordable housing solutions.
Vanderbilt can collaborate with local developers to pilot innovative housing projects in line with the new regulations. This collaboration could enhance Vanderbilt’s role in community development and provide practical solutions to housing challenges.
The emphasis on reducing regulatory barriers offers Vanderbilt an opportunity to advocate for policies that support affordable housing initiatives, potentially resulting in partnerships with local government and nonprofits focused on housing equity.
The university can utilize its resources to promote educational programs related to urban planning and housing policy, preparing students to engage with the complexities of housing development and community needs effectively.
By hosting forums and discussions around the implications of the executive order, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the conversation about housing policy and community impact, attracting attention from stakeholders and media alike.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order indicates potential for major process changes required due to shifts in housing regulations and affordability strategies.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

Within 60 days from March 13, 2026, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development—working with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy—must develop and promulgate regulatory best practices for state and local governments to promote housing construction and affordability.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of the Army – Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works: Tasked with reviewing and revising stormwater and other water-related regulatory requirements.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Required to reassess environmental permits and standards affecting water bodies to facilitate housing construction.
Department of Commerce: Involved in considering the elimination of burdensome rules impacting residential development.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Central to developing best practices for state and local housing policies, revising energy and construction regulations, and coordinating with other agencies on multiple initiatives.
Department of Transportation: Expected to adjust programs like the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program to support housing construction.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): Directed to review guidelines and regulations regarding lending practices and constructed incentives, especially for manufactured housing.
Department of Agriculture: Instructed to participate in reforming or eliminating burdensome energy-efficiency and water-use standards concerning housing.
Department of Energy: Responsible for reviewing energy conservation standards and codes related to residential construction.
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) – Chairman: Tasked with providing guidance on implementing the National Environmental Policy Act to reduce delays in housing projects.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation – Chairman: Charged with developing guidance to ease historic preservation reporting requirements related to housing projects.
Office of the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy: Collaborating with HUD to develop and promulgate regulatory best practices for state and local governments.
Department of the Treasury: Engaged in evaluating and coordinating tax incentive programs (including Opportunity Zones and New Markets Tax Credit) to boost residential construction.

Relevance Score: 4 (Multiple federal agencies—12 in total—across housing, environmental, transportation, agricultural, energy, and financial sectors are impacted.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Army – Tasked, through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, with reviewing and revising requirements related to stormwater, wetlands, and other water-related permits.
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency – Assigned to work with the Army and later with other agencies to streamline environmental requirements and permitting processes.
Secretary of Commerce – Directed to consider eliminating burdensome rules impacting residential development.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development – In multiple sections, instructed to lead initiatives on regulatory reform, develop best practices with the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and coordinate improvements in housing affordability.
Secretary of Transportation – Charged with reviewing programs including the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program and revising relevant regulations to facilitate home construction.
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Ordered to reassess guidelines on chattel lending for manufactured housing and other rules influencing home finance.
Secretary of Agriculture – Given the responsibility to work on revising energy, water-use, and efficiency requirements related to housing, and later to assist in advancing state and local regulatory best practices.
Secretary of Energy – Instructed to review residential building energy codes and energy conservation programs affecting new and manufactured housing.
Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality – Needed to provide guidance on implementing the National Environmental Policy Act with emphasis on reducing burdens for housing-related projects.
Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation – Responsible for developing guidance to ease the historic preservation requirements that impede housing construction.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Collaborates with HUD to develop and promulgate best practices for state and local regulatory reform in housing.
Secretary of the Treasury – Mandated to jointly evaluate and coordinate actions with HUD to leverage Opportunity Zone incentives for single-family home construction.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact multiple agency heads and Cabinet-level officials responsible for significant national housing and regulatory policy changes.)