Schiff introduces bill to turn government buildings into affordable housing

On Tuesday morning, Representative Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, introduced the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act, which eyes the U.S. government’s inventory of underutilized buildings, numbering approximately 45,000, with the intent to repurpose them into affordable housing. Schiff’s measure seeks to inject $250 million annually from fiscal year 2025 to 2030 to spearhead these conversion projects.

“In a time where so many Americans are continually struggling to find safe, affordable housing, the Government Facilities to Affordable Housing Conversion Act represents a step forward in our efforts to address the housing crisis,” Schiff said in a statement. “By repurposing government buildings that have outlived their original use, we’re not only making efficient use of our resources but also increasing the supply of affordable housing.” 

Representative Jimmy Gomez, D-Riverside and Rhode Island’s Gabe Amo, D-Pawtucket, have co-sponsored the bill. Additionally, diverse organizations such as the California State Association of Counties, the National Association of Realtors, the National Community Development Association, the California Housing Partnership, and People Assisting the Homeless have shown support.

The California legislature is actively advocating for adaptive reuse as a core strategy to confront the state’s housing dilemma. State Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles, championed laws facilitating the transformation of existing buildings into affordable multifamily housing. In addition to Santiago’s AB 1695, AB 2011, enacted in 2022, focused on tapping into underutilized commercial spaces for housing.

Schiff’s proposal directs the Office of Housing and Urban Development, the General Services Administration, and the Office of Management and Budget to identify vacant and underutilized federal buildings that would be suitable for residential use development, maintain the public list sale opportunities, and provide an annual report to Congress on these efforts.