In a significant move to address the growing housing affordability crisis, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Saving the American Dream Act,pdf legislation designed to enhance federal coordination on housing data and policy. The bill, introduced by the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus—Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Lou Correa (D-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO)—aims to improve the quality of housing-related research and ensure more effective, evidence-based policymaking.
The Saving the American Dream Act responds to a long-standing challenge in the housing sector: the lack of comprehensive, unified federal data and interagency collaboration. By requiring key federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury, to coordinate and share housing market data and research, the bill aims to establish a stronger foundation for developing responsive and impactful housing programs.
A Systemic Fix for a Complex Crisis
Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing the American public. The Saving the American Dream Act seeks to address barriers to housing not by introducing new spending programs, but by modernizing the federal government's collection, analysis and utilization of housing data. This approach ensures that future federal programs are designed with accuracy, flexibility and measurable outcomes in mind.
The bill also emphasizes breaking down silos between agencies, a goal that NAR and other housing advocates have long advocated for. Currently, data and research relevant to housing policy are scattered across multiple departments and agencies, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficiencies in policy responses.
Bipartisan Momentum and Looking Ahead
The Saving the American Dream Act is an example of unity around a common goal: making homeownership more accessible and sustainable for all Americans.
“We are grateful to Representatives Alford, Correa, Mann and Pettersen for introducing the Saving the American Dream Act, a vital step toward improving housing policy," says Shannon McGahn, executive vice president and chief advocacy officer for the National Association of REALTORS®. "By ensuring key federal agencies coordinate and share housing-related research and market data, this legislation promotes evidence-based policymaking. With housing affordability and accessibility as pressing concerns for millions of Americans, coordinated federal action is essential. This bill addresses critical challenges—from construction costs and regulatory barriers to homeownership and insurance availability—laying the groundwork for more effective programs and better outcomes for families and communities.”
The legislation aligns with NAR’s advocacy priorities, which emphasize smart policy reforms, responsible regulation and the use of high-quality data to guide decision-making. By promoting interagency collaboration and data sharing, the bill opens the door for targeted solutions to some of the most persistent barriers in the housing market.
While the bill is in its early stages, its introduction has generated optimism across the housing industry. NAR, economists, housing nonprofits and private sector leaders are watching closely as the proposal gains traction.
The National Association of Home Builders, Mortgage Bankers Association, and National Apartment Association were among the organizations that supported this bill. Stay tuned to REALTOR® Magazine and NAR’s advocacy updates for developments on this legislation and other key policy initiatives impacting the real estate industry.
