Build America Act: Housing Crisis Looms

0:00The Build America, Buy America Act, signed into law in 2021, pushes federal projects to use only American May materials to boost manufacturing jobs. But it's creating big headaches for affordable housing builders who rely on federal funds. Nearly every item from heating systems to ceiling fans must be made in the U.S. and most aren't, since they've long come from cheaper overseas sources. Developers can request waivers, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development is moving at a snail's pace, approving just a few due to staff. Cuts. This has led to months-long delays in extra costs, running into hundreds of thousands of dollars per project, right as the nation grabbles with a severe shortage of low-cost homes. Folks on housing wait lists, like seniors stretching Social Security dollars, are feeling the pinch hardest with projects stalled in fewer units, getting built. Developers report burning through cash on consultants to hunt for compliant products, pulling time away from actual construction and forcing some to.

1:04Scaleback plans nationwide. Even supporters of the law admit the waiver system needs a faster overhaul and clearer rules, like other agencies provide. Williams argues suppliers will ramp up over time, but critics push for exemptions on housing funds to cut costs and speed things up. As builders eye-ditching federal dollars altogether, or shrinking projects to dodge the rules, the debate heats up over balancing American jobs with. Urgent housing needs. Local news. Powered by AI. This is Durham News Today.