Shontel Brown

CLEVELAND — U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown is rolling out a package of housing legislation she says will lower costs and remove toxic lead from homes in Northeast Ohio, where a survey of her constituents found that more than 80% believe housing costs are too high.

Brown, a Warrensville Heights Democrat, announced her Safe and Affordable Housing Agenda this week ahead of her third annual OH-11 Housing Expo, set for Saturday in Warrensville Heights.

“Housing is a huge issue in Northeast Ohio,” Brown said a statement. “It’s a constant topic when people call our office and it comes up in nearly every meeting. Families are worried about the cost of buying a home, the rising cost of rent, access to affordable housing, and the safety of the homes they live in — from the pipes underground to the paint on the walls.”

The package includes four bills Brown plans to introduce this summer. The Housing Supply Fund Act would create a competitive program within the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund to help fill financing gaps holding back affordable housing construction. The Affordable Housing Preservation and Protection Act would establish a new HUD authority to intervene in distressed HUD-assisted multifamily properties at risk of deterioration or foreclosure.

Two other bills target lead contamination. The GET THE LEAD Out Act of 2026 would create a new federal grant program to replace lead pipes, fixtures and taps, while the REPLACE Act would strengthen existing HUD and Safe Drinking Water Act authorities for lead paint and pipe removal.

The agenda also includes the Yes in God’s Backyard Act, legislation Brown cosponsored which was introduced in January to incentivize faith-based institutions and universities to build affordable housing on underused land they own.

The push comes as the Trump administration has proposed significant cuts to federal housing programs. President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request would reduce HUD funding by 13% compared to current levels, including eliminating the Community Development Block Grant program and the HOME Investment Partnerships program, which help finance affordable housing construction and community development.

In an e-newsletter survey, Brown asked constituents how they felt about housing costs in Northeast Ohio. Of hundreds of responses, 83% said housing costs are too high, while only 3% said housing is affordable.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable home, and that requires a stronger federal partnership to support and expand local efforts,” said a statement from Brown.

The congresswoman will host her 3rd Annual OH-11 Housing Expo on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights.

Representatives from federal, state and local agencies will be on hand, along with financial institutions and community organizations. The event is free and open to constituents.