Indiana – Mike Braun ceremonially signed HEA 1001, legislation aimed at increasing housing production across Indiana as part of an effort to improve affordability statewide.
In a statement, Braun said affordability remains a top priority for his administration, emphasizing that access to affordable housing is central to that goal. He noted that homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for many Hoosiers and said reducing regulatory barriers would make it easier to build more homes and expand opportunities for residents.
The new law requires local governments to evaluate barriers that may limit new housing development and report on their progress. Cities, towns, and counties must hold at least one public hearing this year to discuss ways to expand housing supply.
These discussions may include reducing or eliminating certain parking requirements for multifamily housing, allowing smaller lot sizes and higher-density developments, and reconsidering design regulations that can increase costs or delay construction.
Under the legislation, local governments will also be required to submit annual housing progress reports to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. The reports are intended to help the state better track how regional housing markets respond to the growing demand for housing.
The announcement also highlighted the administration’s READI 2.0 program, which has supported housing development projects across the state. Officials pointed to a recent project in Gibson County, where a $2 million state investment helped generate more than $14 million in private funding to build 110 new apartments.
