As lawmakers returned home for August recess, housing affordability and housing supply remained central topics of discussion across the country. Housing shortages continue to affect local economies, workforce growth, and housing opportunities in many markets. While each community has unique challenges, many local leaders agree that increasing housing supply will be essential to improving affordability and expanding housing choice.
One notable event addressing the housing supply shortage was the ROAD Ahead Housing Summit, held on August 12, 2026, and hosted by Housing and Insurance Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Emanuel Cleaver in Missouri's 5th Congressional District, which includes Kansas City.
The summit brought together housing stakeholders, policymakers, advocates, developers, and industry professionals to discuss the proposed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and explore ways federal, state, and local governments can work together to expand housing opportunities.
Representing the property management profession, Patrick Flynn, CPM®, President of the IREM® Kansas City Chapter, attended the event and joined the discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing communities seeking to increase housing supply.
"Property managers see firsthand how housing availability impacts residents, employers, and entire communities," said Flynn. "It was encouraging to hear policymakers focus on practical solutions that can help increase housing supply while allowing local communities the flexibility to address their unique needs."
One of the key themes of the summit was the emphasis on local decision-making.
Supporters of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act argue that communities are often best positioned to determine how to address their own housing challenges. What works in a major metropolitan area may not be appropriate for a suburban or rural community. By providing greater flexibility and reducing regulatory hurdles to housing development, the legislation aims to help local governments pursue solutions that reflect local market conditions and community needs.
The bill contains numerous provisions affecting housing policy, making it one of the more expansive housing proposals currently under discussion. While stakeholders continue to evaluate its potential impact, the summit focused on a common goal: finding ways to remove barriers and create more opportunities to build and preserve housing.
The conversation highlighted the important role property management professionals play in shaping housing policies that reflect on-the-ground realities.
Housing supply is more than a policy issue for property managers; it has direct implications for the communities they serve.
When supply does not keep pace with demand, affordability challenges intensify. Limited inventory reduces housing options and creates workforce challenges by making it more difficult for employers to recruit and retain talent in the communities they serve.
Summit participants discussed a range of strategies designed to support housing production and preservation, including:
Zoning modernization
Land use reform
Streamlined permitting processes
Infrastructure investments
Public-private partnerships
Incentives for new housing development
Preservation of existing affordable housing
These conversations reflected a growing recognition that no single solution will address housing shortages. The challenges vary from one community to the next, and so will the path forward.
Progress will require collaboration among policymakers, developers, owners, lenders, and property managers.
The summit underscored the importance of bringing together public- and private-sector stakeholders to address housing challenges.
As policymakers continue to explore legislative solutions, many participants emphasized the value of expanding access to resources that support housing development and preservation efforts.
For property managers, these discussions matter because policy decisions made today can influence the future housing pipeline and the long-term health of local communities.
"Housing challenges can't be solved by any one group alone," Flynn said. "Events like the ROAD Ahead Housing Summit create opportunities for policymakers and industry professionals to share perspectives and identify solutions that support long-term housing growth and stability."
IREM members are encouraged to stay informed as discussions continue, but no specific action is required at this time.
Housing supply remains one of the most significant challenges facing communities nationwide. As policymakers evaluate new approaches to support housing production and affordability, property managers bring valuable, practical expertise to the discussion through their firsthand experience operating housing, maintaining properties, and serving residents.
The ROAD Ahead Housing Summit highlighted the growing interest in locally-driven housing solutions and the importance of including industry voices in those conversations. The participation of the IREM® Kansas City Chapter underscores the role property managers play in advancing thoughtful, community-focused approaches to expanding housing opportunities.