In a significant move to address the nation’s housing crisis, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner and Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have announced a plan to identify federal lands suitable for affordable housing projects.
The two officials revealed plans to establish the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing, which will focus on identifying underutilized federal properties that could be repurposed for residential development. Additionally, the task force aims to simplify the process of transferring these lands to state and local governments to accelerate housing initiatives.
As real estate lawyers prepare to tackle the legal complexities surrounding land transfers, zoning, and compliance, virtual real estate paralegals have become indispensable.
The Push to Repurpose Federal Land for Affordable Housing Expansion
In a joint op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, Turner and Burgum described the initiative as a strategic effort to expand the housing supply and reduce costs for American families. They emphasized the need to maintain affordability throughout the development process.
“Working together, our agencies can take inventory of underused federal properties, transfer or lease them to states or localities to address housing needs, and support the infrastructure required to make development viable—all while ensuring affordability remains at the core of the mission,” they wrote.
The Interior Department manages over 500 million acres of federal land, and according to Burgum, much of this property holds potential for residential use. By repurposing these spaces, the federal government hopes to expand housing opportunities without relying heavily on private land acquisition.
To further accelerate the process, the two secretaries committed to streamlining regulatory procedures, reducing delays tied to environmental reviews and transfer protocols. These reforms aim to ensure affordable housing projects move forward efficiently.
Turner and Burgum’s Federal Land Plan Joins Growing Efforts to Tackle Housing Crisis
The announcement aligns with growing public concern over housing costs. In 2024, affordability ranked among the top issues for voters. Both President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris introduced plans to address the crisis. Trump’s proposal included cutting “unnecessary regulations” that Republicans argue drive up costs, along with promoting homeownership through tax incentives.
During his campaign, Trump also suggested stricter immigration controls as a way to curb rising housing costs — a claim that sparked debate. Meanwhile, a Pew Research Center survey in October 2024 revealed that 69% of voters were “very concerned” about home prices, marking an 8-point increase from April 2023.
As the housing crisis remains a pressing concern, legal teams prepare to navigate these developments, virtual real estate paralegals are playing a vital role in ensuring progress moves forward efficiently.
Bolster Legal Supports Real Estate Lawyers in Federal Land Affordable Housing Projects
Our real estate paralegals offer specialized outsourcing services to help attorneys manage the complex legal landscape efficiently that comes with people’s ability to buy affordable housing.
Our team of skilled virtual paralegals and legal professionals assist with title searches, lease agreements, due diligence, and compliance documentation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. We also provide legal research on federal and state regulations, helping lawyers navigate the evolving policies surrounding affordable housing development.
By delegating administrative tasks to Bolster Legal, real estate attorneys can streamline workload, reduce costs, and focus on high-value legal strategy while we handle time-consuming documentation and research.
As federal initiatives progress, we stand ready to support law firms in seizing opportunities and ensuring compliance in affordable housing projects.
Partner with Bolster Legal today and simplify your legal workload!