Preference given for “Location-Efficient” Housing

The Livable Communities Act 2009 also includes a definition of “location-efficient” and a new “location affordability index”. I am sure the index will be used to compare homes by location and ultimately be used by local government in their approval of new housing projects.

This all may seem innocent and a worthy goal to combine energy, transportation and housing costs together but it is a way to control growth, manage the use of land, and govern where people will live in the future.

LOCATION-EFFICIENT.—the term ‘‘location-efficient’’ characterizes development, housing, or neighborhoods that integrate land use, mixed-use housing and commercial development, employment, and transportation—

(A) to enhance mobility;
(B) to encourage transit-oriented development;
(C) to encourage infill development and the use of existing infrastructure; and
(D) to reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled and the transportation costs and energy requirements associated with ownership or rental of a home.


REPORT ON HOUSING LOCATION AFFORDABILITY INDEX.—
The Director shall conduct a study on—

(A) the development of a housing location affordability index that includes housing and transportation costs;

(B) ways in which the affordability index described in subparagraph (A) could be made available to the public to inform consumers of the combined costs of housing and transportation.

REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report on the study.