The sale of surplus federal land could provide a crucial boost to affordable housing efforts. Both the RNC’s 2024 platform and President Joe Biden’s latest housing plan now include proposals to sell federal land to developers for residential construction. This approach aims to address growing voter frustration over the high cost and scarcity of housing. The federal government owns about 28 percent of U.S. land and would auction off parcels to developers who agree to maintain a portion of the units as affordable. Significant amounts of federal land are in states like Utah (63%), California (45%), and Nevada (80%). However, much of this land is unsuitable for residential development and is often located far from areas with the greatest housing needs and lacks essential infrastructure.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/09/white-house-gop-housing-federal-land-00170616