The U.S. Conference of Mayors formally endorsed a bipartisan statement to support the Let America Build campaign — a housing policy initiative backed by Realtor.com — during the organization’s annual meeting in Tampa on Sunday.
The resolution — introduced by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson — acknowledges the mounting housing affordability crisis, and it calls for policy reforms at all levels of government to increase housing supply and ease zoning restrictions.
“Homeownership was the American dream, but it’s become an impossible dream for too many people — especially young people, who want the same opportunities to make a life previous generations had,” Watson said.
“That’s why mayors across the country are tackling the affordability crisis head on and championing pro-housing policies that make it easier to put more houses on the ground and let people not only dream again, but fulfill those dreams.”
The Let America Build campaign advocates for the elimination of regulatory barriers and modernized zoning and permitting laws to speed up or allow housing development. The initiative also encourages the consideration of underutilized federal land for residential use.
“Mayors are on the frontlines of the housing crisis, and we applaud the U.S. Conference of Mayors for joining the call to Let America Build,” said Damian Eales, CEO of Realtor.com.
“This campaign is about working together with local leaders, builders, and industry partners to advocate for practical, pro-building solutions. We must break through red tape and restrictive zoning to create a future where more Americans can find a place to call home.”
According to Realtor.com, the U.S. is facing a shortfall of nearly 4 million homes, with responses from individual states varying in effectiveness. Housing advocates warn that the gap in supply is contributing to rising costs and displacement in cities and suburbs alike.
“The housing crisis demands bold, local action, and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) commends mayors nationwide for prioritizing housing supply and affordability,” said Jim Tobin, the president and CEO of NAHB. “We stand ready to work with local leaders to remove barriers and build the homes we need for all Americans.”
The Let America Build campaign launched earlier this year at SXSW in Austin. It has since garnered support from housing industry leaders and now the nation’s mayors.
“The National Association of Realtors is dedicated to putting the American Dream of homeownership within reach for everyone. We applaud the Let America Build campaign’s work to highlight the urgent need for action — both locally and nationally — to solve our country’s housing supply and affordability crisis,” NAR President Kevin Sears said.
“It will take collaboration across all levels of government and with partners in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advance lasting solutions.”
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