HOUSING ALERT
May 2025
Congress Takes Up MHI’s Top Priorities in Housing Supply Hearing
Manufactured housing took the spotlight in housing policy conversations on Capitol Hill last week as Congress held a hearing focused on expanding the nation’s housing options through innovation—and MHI’s top priorities were front and center.
The House Financial Services Committee’s Housing Subcommittee convened to focus on two bills: one to reaffirm HUD’s role as the sole federal regulator of manufactured housing and the other to remove the statutory requirement that manufactured homes be built on a permanent chassis, a decades-old mandate that limits innovation and restricts the industry’s ability to meet modern housing needs.
MHI’s Chairman and Cavco Industries, Inc.’s CEO Bill Boor testified at the hearing on behalf of MHI. He called on Congress to take action to pass both proposed bills and eliminate outdated regulatory barriers that are holding back the full potential of manufactured housing.
MHI’s engagement with policymakers in Congress has ensured that manufactured housing is not just part of the housing conversation—it is helping to lead it. This hearing marks an important step in the legislative process and signals that Congress is seriously considering MHI’s proposals to support industry growth. The bipartisan support expressed during the hearing—even amid broader disagreements over the President’s housing agenda—highlights a unique opportunity for manufactured housing to achieve its top legislative objectives.
The Housing Subcommittee’s Ranking Member, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), opened the hearing on behalf of Congressional Democrats by recognizing MHI’s contributions and engagement that led to the hearing. He stated: “One example of housing innovation under consideration today is manufactured housing. I have spoken with the Manufactured Housing Institute, and I am very, very interested in how we can work together to expand safe, decent and affordable housing options that protect residents.”
The two bills considered at the hearing were “discussion drafts” of legislation sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman Flood (NE-01) and Representative John Rose (TN-6). Full Committee Chairman French Hill (AR-02) attended the hearing, a sign of support for the industry and the legislative effort to grow manufactured housing.
“These proposals could go a long way toward removing some of the federal barriers that prevent greater utilization of manufactured homes,” said Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Mike Flood (NE-1). He also highlighted the need to address zoning and land use challenges at the local level in his opening remarks.
Several members of the subcommittee highlighted the potential of manufactured housing as a key solution to improving housing affordability nationwide. Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) realized “how important manufactured homes are to solving affordability in housing in our nation, especially given all the advancements in construction.”
Representative Nikema Williams (GA-5) indicated that “manufactured housing can be an important tool in our toolkit to help ensure that everyone — no matter [their] zip code — has a roof over [their] head[s].”
Representative Maria Salazar (FL-27), in discussing ADUs, remarked, “Wow! Great! How do we access that? Give me two. It’s a very innovative idea,” and was enthusiastic about learning more to share with developers. Representative Fitzgerald (WI-5) highlighted lot size restrictions and lengthy permitting processes as barriers to affordable manufactured housing.
Representatives Rose (TN-6) and Timmons (SC-4) both emphasized CrossMod® homes, particularly the single section style, as an innovative solution to affordable housing.
Bill Boor Testimony Highlights
Bill Boor On Affirming HUD as the Sole Regulator:
“To ensure manufactured housing remains an affordable and accessible option for millions of Americans, we need a clear and consistent regulatory framework—one that keeps costs low, fosters innovation, and expands financing opportunities. Congress must reaffirm HUD’s role as the sole federal regulator of manufactured housing to prevent conflicting standards that undermine affordability and stall progress.”
Bill Boor On Removing the Permanent Chassis Requirement:
“Removing the outdated statutory requirement for a permanent chassis would unlock a new era of innovation in manufactured housing. It would allow us to design homes with modern aesthetics, enable multi-story construction, and better integrate our homes into urban and suburban neighborhoods—ultimately expanding access to affordable housing in areas where it’s needed most.”
Bill Boor On Zoning Reform and HUD Code Preemption:
“Restrictive local ordinances, which can include limitations or outright prohibitions against manufactured homes, are discriminatory barriers against affordable housing. HUD must exercise its preemption authority when local construction regulations or zoning, planning, or development policies adversely affect the placement of manufactured housing.”
Bill Boor On Expanding Federal Financing for Manufactured Housing:
“Congress must ensure that federal financing programs fully support the range of manufactured housing options available today. This includes expanding access to home-only loans, increasing support for land-home financing, and allowing single-section CrossMod® homes to qualify for GSE programs—so that more families can benefit from high-quality, affordable homes that appraise and perform like site-built housing.”
Bill Boor On Land-Lease Communities:
“Land-lease communities are a proven, high-demand solution to the housing affordability crisis. They offer residents the benefits of homeownership at a lower cost than renting, with access to well-maintained infrastructure and community amenities. Federal policy should support—not restrict—investment in these communities, ensuring they remain a vibrant and affordable housing option for millions of Americans.” Watch Bill Boor’s testimony on the MHI website.
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