Voters Back More Federal Housing Aid Beyond New Law

Voters across the political spectrum strongly support additional federal housing assistance beyond the recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, according to a survey conducted between May 27 and June 25, 2026. The poll of 19,564 adults, conducted by the University of Maryland Program for Public Consultation and Voice of the People, indicates a desire for elected officials to expand legislation concerning housing affordability and attainability.

The survey found significant bipartisan backing for measures not included in the ROAD Act. For instance, 88% of Democrats and 80% of Republicans favor the tax incentives for affordable housing construction and preservation already part of the new law. Beyond these provisions, large majorities of voters also support a federal ban on institutional investors purchasing single-family homes.

Further proposals garnered substantial support. An investment of $40 billion in high-density affordable housing for very low- and low-income households was backed by 86% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans. Similarly, a $25 billion allocation to local governments for building and preserving high-density affordable housing received support from 84% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans.

Additionally, the survey explored support for increased rental assistance. A proposal to provide up to $24 billion in additional vouchers for very low-income, elderly, and disabled renters, which is not part of the current law, was favored by 89% of Democrats and 74% of Republicans. The findings, gathered from voters in 11 competitive states and 28 competitive U.S. House districts, suggest housing affordability could be a pivotal issue in upcoming elections.