UNLOCK Act

The "Unleashing Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep Housing Act," or UNLOCK Act, proposes to amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Its primary goal is to expand the eligible uses of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision allowing metropolitan cities, urban counties, states, local governments, insular areas, and tribal entities to use these funds for the construction of new residential housing . This new housing must be designated for low- and moderate-income persons . The construction can be undertaken directly by these entities or with the assistance of various nonprofit organizations, thereby increasing options for addressing housing shortages.