Here’s how the midterms could reset Washington’s housing agenda

The rising cost of living was a catalyst that drove voters to the polls this week, so housing, which makes up a substantial share of that burden, could gain traction as a top priority once again for the incoming Congress.Lawmakers in both parties want to address the high cost of housing. The question always is how much they can accomplish. Democrats, who will control the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, may seek common ground with the Trump administration on housing policy, including streamlining regulations and funding the new programs created under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.However, they could also clash with the administration over hot-button policy debates such as tariffs on building materials, immigration enforcement on construction sites and funding for affordable housing programs, among other issues. Despite potential areas of agreement and disagreement, Andy Winkler, managing director of housing and infrastructure policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said voters’ focus on affordability should keep housing high on the federal policy agenda. “Housing costs, just like other rising costs of living, were clearly top of mind as voters headed to the...