RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026

Grants to renovate local community spaces

If enacted, the Commerce Department would run a 3-year pilot grant program to renovate public "third spaces." The bill would authorize $200 million and cap federal administration spending at not more than 5% of those funds each year. Commerce would administer the program in consultation with HUD and HHS and prioritize projects that strengthen local economies and reduce social isolation. At least 60% of awards each fiscal year would go to entities serving low-income or underserved communities. Grants would pay for planning, community engagement, pre-development, and construction, and grantees would need a policy to keep the space free or low-cost to the public, though reasonable rent could be charged to businesses. The pilot would start on enactment, expire after 3 years, and the Secretary could extend it up to 2 more years if done at least 30 days before the initial end. The Secretary would set grantee reporting rules within 30 days and must report to Congress within three years after the pilot ends on attendance, new businesses, affordability, belonging, and social and economic impacts.