State and Local HBAs Advance Pro-Housing Reforms
Around the country, state and local HBAs are shaping policies that make it easier to increase the supply of housing. From streamlining environmental reviews and permitting processes to preserving lot size standards, these recent advocacy victories demonstrate how members are working with lawmakers to remove barriers, reduce costs and support housing attainability in their communities.
Streamlining Approvals in New York
The New York State BA (NYSBA) secured a landmark victory for housing production following Gov. Kathy Hochul's signing of the 2026-2027 state budget, which includes the most significant reforms to New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in decades.
SEQRA has served as an important environmental review tool, but it has also become one of the most frequently cited obstacles to timely housing development, infrastructure investment and economic growth across the state. NYSBA says the reforms represent a major step toward modernizing the environmental review process while maintaining strong environmental protections.
"Governor Hochul demonstrated the kind of pragmatic, results-driven leadership New York desperately needed by bringing together stakeholders and securing one of the most consequential SEQRA reforms in generations," said Bruno Schickel, president of the NYSBA.
The changes will help streamline approvals for housing projects, reduce unnecessary delays and litigation, encourage smart growth, and create greater certainty for developers seeking to build critically needed housing throughout the state.
Stopping Lot Size Changes in Houston
Members of the Greater Houston HBA (GHBA) stopped bad housing policy in its tracks. The county commissioners proposed changing the minimum suburban lot width from 40 feet to 50 feet. After dozens of GHBA members showed up to the Montgomery County Commissioners Court to advocate flexible housing, and their efforts paid off. The proposed increase to 50-foot lot minimums was removed, keeping the current 40-foot standard in place.
“The commissioners’ decision helps protect housing affordability for families across our region, as larger lot requirements can significantly drive up home prices and limit supply,” said Aimee Bertrand, GHBA executive officer.
Permitting Reform in Georgia
Home builders in Georgia secured a legislative victory that will reduce unnecessary costs and delays caused by permitting bottlenecks. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 447 into law, which reforms the Land Disturbance Permit application timelines for new developments.
“The HBA of Georgia’s message to lawmakers was simple,” said Austin Hackney, HBA of Georgia (HBAG) executive vice president. “If you want attainable housing in Georgia, you must make it faster and more predictable to get homes permitted and built.”