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S5284119th CongressWALLET

Green New Deal for Public Housing Act

Sponsored By: Senator Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

Introduced

Summary

Would fund a nationwide push to modernize public housing into energy‑efficient, zero‑carbon homes. It pairs large-scale retrofits with workforce training and strong resident control to improve health, resilience, and local jobs.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Big Federal Funding for Public Housing

If enacted, the Treasury would provide sums needed to address HUD's public housing capital backlog and fund the program for fiscal years 2027 through 2037. The bill would also set aside $1 billion, available until spent, for administrative costs and technical assistance to applicants. This funding could enable many modernization projects across the country.

Big Green Upgrades for Public Housing

If enacted, HUD grants would pay for deep energy retrofits, electrification (like heat pumps), and building‑health fixes in public housing. Grants would fund rooftop and community solar, energy storage with at least 48 hours backup, water quality upgrades (with specific contaminant thresholds), public internet at least 100 Mbps, and community centers. Recipients would need resident council sign‑off, follow prevailing wage and Buy America rules, and commit to making public housing zero‑carbon within 10 years of grant receipt.

Expanded Family Self-Sufficiency Help

If enacted, HUD would expand Family Self‑Sufficiency (FSS) rules so more local programs could get help. Tribal housing entities could run FSS programs. Local participant caps in some places would be changed to limits like 35 or 36 participants. HUD could give extra grants to fund additional FSS coordinators. Local FSS programs would be allowed to offer services such as digital literacy and home‑ and community‑based care for older adults and people with disabilities.

Stronger Section 3 Hiring Rules

If enacted, Section 3 rules would cover more HUD funds and set phased hiring and contracting targets. Hiring goals would require 40% low‑income hires in year 1, 50% in year 2, and 90% thereafter. Contracts to subsidized‑housing resident‑owned businesses would target 20% of dollars in year 1, 30% in year 2, and 50% thereafter. PHAs would report quarterly and keep a workforce roster updated at least every 30 days.

Public Housing Workforce Training Grants

If enacted, HUD would create workforce development grants for public housing residents. Grants would fund apprenticeships, GED and certification help, childcare, financial literacy, and resident business support. Participants would get stipends of at least $250 per week. Up to 10 percent of a grant could pay reporting and compliance managers. The Labor Department would provide technical help to applicants.

New Resident Council Rules and Pay

If enacted, each public housing project with 50 or more units would need a resident council with at least five elected members. Elections would be held at least every two years starting January 1, 2027, and councils would have recall rules. PHAs could pay officer stipends up to $1,000 per month. HUD would allocate $40 per unit per year for tenant participation and $25 per unit per year for PHA costs.

Repeal of a Public Housing Rule

If enacted, the bill would remove paragraph (3) of a rule in section 9(g) of the U.S. Housing Act. This repeal would change legal duties or rights tied to that paragraph for PHAs and tenants. The exact household effects would depend on how HUD and local housing agencies implement the change.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

VT • I

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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