GFWAR Applauds Passage of Landmark Housing Legislation That Could Expand Homeownership Opportunities in North Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas — July 13, 2026 — The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® (GFWAR) is celebrating congressional passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, landmark legislation designed to increase housing supply, modernize federal housing programs and reduce barriers that have made homeownership increasingly difficult for American families. The association spent the past year advocating alongside the National Association of REALTORS® and Texas REALTORS® for many of the bill’s provisions.
Representing more than 5,000 real estate professionals across North Texas, GFWAR urged lawmakers to support legislation that addresses the challenge of ensuring housing supply keeps pace with one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is the most comprehensive federal housing legislation in decades. The bill combines more than 50 bipartisan housing proposals aimed at increasing housing production, streamlining development, modernizing manufactured housing regulations, expanding financing opportunities and improving access to homeownership for first-time buyers and working families.
“For Fort Worth and the surrounding communities, housing affordability begins with housing availability,” said Shawn Buck, 2026 president of the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®. “While there is no single solution to today’s housing challenges, this legislation takes meaningful steps toward increasing the supply of homes, reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles and creating more opportunities for families to achieve the dream of homeownership.”
North Texas continues to experience strong population and job growth, placing additional pressure on an already competitive housing market. Although inventory has improved in recent months, including a more balanced 3.6 months in Tarrant County, local housing experts agree that additional housing production is needed across a variety of price points to meet long-term demand.
Among the provisions expected to benefit Texas communities are measures that:
• Encourage communities to increase housing production.
• Streamline federal reviews that can delay residential development.
• Expand opportunities for manufactured housing and innovative housing construction.
• Modernize federal housing and community development programs.
• Improve financing options for first-time and underserved homebuyers.
• Support efforts to reduce unnecessary costs that ultimately make homes less affordable.
For homeowners, prospective buyers and the broader Fort Worth economy, increasing the supply of housing can help improve affordability over time by creating more choices in the marketplace. Additional housing also supports workforce recruitment, economic development and business expansion by making it easier for employers to attract and retain employees who can afford to live near where they work.
GFWAR also thanked members of the Texas congressional delegation who supported bipartisan efforts to address the nation’s housing shortage.
U.S. Rep. Craig Goldman (TX-12): “With the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act now law, my colleagues and I are helping restore the American dream of homeownership. I’m grateful for the support of our local REALTORS® and community banks, and I’m excited to see this legislation help more Americans raise their families in homes of their own.”
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33): “The passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act is a critical step toward expanding access to affordable homeownership across the nation. Throughout this process, I heard from members of the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® on the importance of home affordability and expanding home ownership to the next generation. This bill is the culmination of bipartisan work from members of both chambers, and the advocacy of our partners to get it over the finish line.”
U.S. Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25): “On June 23, 2026, the House passed H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, marking the most significant bipartisan housing legislation in decades. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I was proud to work alongside Chairman French Hill and my colleagues to advance this legislation. H.R. 6644 will help more families achieve the dream of homeownership, and I appreciate the important role the Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® plays in helping make that dream a reality.”
GFWAR’s advocacy included educating local REALTORS® on the legislation and working with lawmakers to emphasize the importance of increasing housing inventory while preserving local market flexibility. The association joined hundreds of state and local REALTOR® associations nationwide in supporting passage of the legislation.
While many of the bill’s provisions will take time to implement, GFWAR believes the legislation establishes an important framework for increasing housing opportunities in communities across North Texas and throughout the country.
“As REALTORS®, we see firsthand the challenges buyers face when inventory is limited,” Buck said. “The passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act demonstrates that housing affordability can be addressed through bipartisan solutions focused on increasing supply and expanding opportunities for homeownership.”