The Powering Local Utility Guidance in Housing Act of 2026 aims to enhance the building permitting process for affordable housing developers in the District of Columbia by providing expert consultation, administrative coordination, and improved data transparency regarding utility provider requirements. The act mandates the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to offer utility design consultants and permitting liaisons to assist developers with the complexities of obtaining utility provider approvals for qualifying affordable housing proposals. These proposals must meet specific criteria, such as securing financing conditioned on providing income-restricted units for at least 15 years or having a recorded property covenant that exceeds the Inclusionary Zoning Program requirements.

Additionally, the act requires DHCD, the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) to establish a Memorandum of Understanding and data-sharing agreement within 60 days of the act's applicability date. This agreement will facilitate access to necessary information for utility design consultants and allow residential developers to track utility provider inspections and approvals through a centralized permitting database. The act will take effect once its fiscal impact is included in an approved budget and financial plan, and it will undergo a 30-day congressional review period following approval by the Mayor.