Throughout 2026, Housing Affordability Institute will be tracking housing policy reforms working through state legislatures across the United States. As legislatures are just beginning their work, this month’s highlights efforts in New York, Utah and Vermont.

New York: After several years of seeking statewide reforms, Gov. Kathy Hochul is back this year with another initiative: modernizing the Empire State’s environmental review law, State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Lawmakers are also seeking to continue to push forward several initiatives from last year’s legislative session:

• S08662 / A08834: Prevents local units of government from enacting zoning laws that would reduce the number of housing units allowed. (Awaiting Action in Committee)
• S03397-B/ A03647B: Allows faith-based groups to offer housing. (Awaiting Action in Committee)

Utah: After having challenges getting reforms off the ground in 2024 and several bills passed in 2025, reforms are expected to continue to be part of the housing conversation in Utah in 2026.  

• H.B. 184: Utah’s version of a Starter Home bill that would create a formal process allowing builders or property owners to seek approval for homes on smaller lots than local zoning typically allows, with requests deemed approved if local authorities do not act within 30 days.

Vermont:  In mid-January, housing advocates in Vermont unveiled the “Let’s Build Homes” initiative, building upon successful legislation in 2025.

• S.267: This bill seeks to boost housing production by relaxing regulatory requirements, extending priority housing exemptions through 2030, and enabling more rapid approval and construction of accessory dwelling units.

Housing Affordability Institute’s State Legislatures and Housing Reform project monitors how state lawmakers are working to address their states’ housing challenges in 2026.