Press Release
December 5, 2024

New Dem Leaders Push for Passage of YIMBY Act to Address Housing Crisis

Washington, D.C. — Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Vice Chair for Policy Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and NDC Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Norma J. Torres (CA-35) issued statements calling for the passage of the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) Act (H.R.3507), ahead of a House vote scheduled for later this week.

The bipartisan YIMBY Act, introduced and championed by Vice Chair Kilmer in the 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses, seeks to remove discriminatory zoning laws and burdensome regulations that prevent housing development. The bill has received strong support from the New Democrat Coalition and was a central component of the NDC’s Housing Action Plan, released earlier this year.

“Our nation had housing challenges before the pandemic—and those challenges have only grown since then. We need more workforce housing, senior housing, homeless housing, and affordable housing. We need more housing units, period,” said Vice Chair Kilmer. “That’s why I hope the House will pass this bipartisan legislation to help communities across the country reduce barriers to construction and build more affordable homes.”

“We need to build more homes in America, plain and simple, and the YIMBY Act is one of the best tools Congress can use before the end of the 118th Congress to eliminate the barriers driving the housing affordability crisis,” said Affordable Housing Task Force Chair Torres. “New Dems are grateful to Vice Chair Kilmer for his leadership on this issue, which directly influenced our Housing Action Plan and inspired our efforts throughout this Congress. We urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and help deliver more affordable homes for Americans.”

Background on the NDC Housing Action Plan

In March 2024, the Affordable Housing Task Force launched its Housing Action Plan, featuring over 20 policy recommendations aimed at addressing five critical areas of affordable housing: the housing supply, permitting and zoning laws, federal financial incentives, the construction workforce, and data collection and transparency.