Affordable Housing and Area Median Income Fairness Act of 2026

The bill aims to significantly increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce rents, particularly in high-cost regions across the nation. It authorizes a substantial appropriation of $5,000,000,000 annually for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035 for three critical federal housing programs: the Home Investment Partnerships Program , Community Development Block Grants , and the Housing Trust Fund . Crucially, these funds are specifically limited to areas where the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has applied a high housing cost adjustment, ensuring resources are directed to the most expensive markets. Beyond direct funding, the legislation mandates a comprehensive assessment by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development regarding the optimization of Area Median Income (AMI) calculations. Within 180 days, the Secretary must begin evaluating alternative methods for calculating AMI and using other metrics to improve housing affordability for low-income families in urban areas. A detailed report, due within two years, will analyze the impacts of high housing cost adjustments on income limits and rent prices, review previous AMI reports, and assess the potential of localized methodologies like ZIP Code level AMI calculations. This report will also explore alternative metrics to AMI for setting income levels in affordable housing programs and recommend how the Secretary could reform or eliminate the use of AMI to make housing more accessible. It further requires an assessment of the impacts that Westchester and Rockland Counties have on New York City's AMI and affordable housing supply. This comprehensive review seeks to ensure federal low-income housing assistance is effectively targeted and responsive to the realities of housing costs in diverse urban environments.