The Unleashing Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep Housing Act (UNLOCK Housing Act) ... to allow municipalities, for the first time, to use CDBG funding for the construction of new housing.
Allow municipalities to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the construction of new housing.
Occurrences
the House and Senate have each passed versions of a bill designed to increase the supply of affordable housing, including modifications to existing grant programs like CDBG to support new housing construction.
Evidence
On July 24, 2025, Senator Andy Kim introduced the UNLOCK Housing Act, aiming to allow municipalities to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the construction of new housing.
On July 29, 2025, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance multiple bills led by Senator Kim, including the UNLOCK Housing Act, which allows municipalities to use CDBG funding for new housing construction.
On March 11, 2026, Senator Kim delivered remarks on the Senate Floor in support of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes provisions from the UNLOCK Housing Act to allow municipalities to use CDBG funding for new housing construction.
As of April 2, 2026, the House and Senate have each passed versions of a bill designed to increase the supply of affordable housing, including modifications to existing grant programs like CDBG to support new housing construction.
Assessments
Kim materially advanced the promised policy during his current federal term by introducing the UNLOCK Housing Act, securing Senate committee advancement, and supporting a broader housing package that incorporated the CDBG new-housing provision. The evidence also indicates both chambers had passed related but differing housing bills by April 2, 2026, with final legislation still pending. Because the policy had not yet become final enacted law or implemented authority, the promise was not fully delivered, but Kim made a serious legislative effort toward the specific outcome.
Senator Andy Kim introduced legislation to allow municipalities to use CDBG funding for new housing, actively advocated for its passage, and committees advanced the relevant bill. Versions modifying CDBG for new housing have passed both House and Senate, but the final legislation is still pending and the promise hasn't been fully implemented. Clear and sustained legislative effort is evident.