Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025

This bill tells the nation’s housing and agriculture agencies to work together so housing projects—especially those in rural areas—can move faster without cutting corners. Within 180 days, they must sign an agreement to pick a lead agency on shared projects, reuse each other’s environmental reviews to save time, and consider doing joint property inspections. It keeps current environmental rules in place as of January 1, 2025.

The agencies must also set up a working group of residents, nonprofits, builders, property managers, housing agencies, and others to advise on the plan. Within one year, they must report ways to make projects more efficient without reducing resident safety, shifting long-term costs onto residents, or weakening environmental standards.

• Who is affected: Residents in HUD- or USDA-assisted housing; rural and non-rural communities; nonprofits, builders, property managers, and housing agencies involved in these projects.
• What changes: Faster coordination between HUD and USDA, potential joint inspections, and streamlined use of environmental studies—while keeping existing environmental protections.
• When: Agreement and advisory group within 180 days; recommendations report within 1 year.