The "Build Housing Package" introduced by Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. aims to address the challenges of housing affordability and construction delays in Washington, D.C. This legislative package includes four bills designed to streamline the housing development process, reduce costs, and enhance the efficiency of housing delivery. The first bill, the Understanding the Cost of Housing Regulations Act of 2026, seeks to establish a third-party cost review to analyze the cumulative impact of housing regulations on development costs and timelines. The Affordable Housing Tax Assessment Alignment Act of 2026 aims to ensure that affordable housing is assessed fairly for tax purposes by requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide necessary data to the Office of Tax and Revenue.

Additionally, the Pre-Approved Housing Plans Act of 2026 proposes a program for standardized, permit-ready building plans for small-scale housing projects, which would help reduce design costs and expedite the permitting process. Lastly, the Risk-Based Third-Party Code Review Act of 2026 introduces a risk-based review system that would allow for certified submissions to be accepted without full technical re-review, thereby streamlining the permitting process. Together, these reforms are intended to create a more predictable and cost-effective environment for housing development in the District, ultimately increasing the availability of affordable housing for residents.