Transportation and Infrastructure

Busy traffic on road downtown with light rail tracks.

Transportation and Infrastructure

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Infrastructure improvements have been shown to enhance property values by creating livable communities and business districts. Poorly maintained streets and traffic congestion in an area impose extra costs throughout the local economy. Further constraints on funding for transportation projects of all types, particularly those that contribute to walkable, stable, and vibrant neighborhoods, may negatively affect property values and inhibit development.

NAR believes that more should be done to level the playing field with respect to funding highways versus public transit and other sustainable transportation modes. Additionally, transportation plans should reflect a broad community vision that takes all transportation users into account as opposed to simply developing added road capacity. NAR supports a modest increase to the federal motor fuel tax and annual adjustments for inflation to help communities achieve their sustainable transportation and infrastructure goals.

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

NAR supports investments in transportation, energy, water and communications systems. Updating and modernizing these systems will repair crumbling roads, bridges and transit and water management systems, propel public and private efforts to make these systems environmentally sound, and close the digital divide by expanding broadband and internet access. This effort also provides an opportunity to ensure the benefits and jobs from infrastructure investments are shared and continue to enhance property values and increase community resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

Roads, bridges and other types of infrastructure are critical investments in every community. This type of infrastructure provides the basic foundation for economic competitiveness used by cities and states throughout the country. Additionally, traffic congestion and safety measures contribute to the quality-of-life residents have in their communities.

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

Improvements to transportation and infrastructure systems enhance property values. Further constraints on funding for transportation projects of all types, particularly those that contribute to walkable, stable, and vibrant neighborhoods, may negatively affect property values and inhibit development.

NAR's Policy on Transportation

The timely provision of safe, convenient and efficient transportation infrastructure enhances the quality of communities, supports property values, and mitigates the effects of traffic congestion that accompany growth. REALTORS® support improving mobility in communities so that all citizens have access to transportation means best suited to their needs. Changing travel patterns, shrinking petroleum supplies, and continuing technological innovation will challenge traditional means of transportation planning, construction and funding.

NAR’s General Transportation and Infrastructure Principles:

Infrastructure priorities should be rooted in coordinated efforts between the region, state and local governments.
Maintenance and/or improvements of existing infrastructure funding should take precedence over development of new infrastructure.
Policies should incorporate market-based solutions for cost effectiveness.
Environmental stewardship should be balanced with economic development.
An expedited permitting process to reduce redundant regulations should be prioritized without compromising the environment.
Communities should incorporate mitigation efforts to prepare for natural disasters (flooding, sea level rise, wildfires, etc.).
Maintaining housing affordability should be considered for all infrastructure projects.

NAR believes more needs to be done to level the playing field with respect to funding highways versus transit and other modes. Transportation plans should reflect a broad community vision, considering the needs of all transportation users, and should emphasize repair and maintenance over development of new capacity. In addition, NAR supports the creation of a consistent revenue stream that includes annual adjustments for inflation.

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)pdf. The $1.2 trillion package reauthorized current spending on roads and bridges and included $550 billion in new funding that invests in our roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, electric grid, water systems, and broadband infrastructure.

NAR will continue to urge Congress to fund transportation and infrastructure programs that meet the needs of the community, spur economic grown, and foster resilience and sustainability in a community.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Advocacy

What is the fundamental issue?

I am a real estate professional. What does this mean for my business?

NAR's Policy on Transportation

NAR’s General Transportation and Infrastructure Principles:

Legislative/Regulatory Status/Outlook

Current Legislation/Regulation

In-Depth:

Legislative Contact(s):

Regulatory Contact(s):