How the end of the government shutdown is impacting architects

The longest government shutdown in American history has come to an end

After a record 43-day shutdown, the federal government has officially reopened, following a bill passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President. The "continuing resolution" bill will restore normal federal operations, provide back pay for furloughed workers, extend full-year funding for three appropriations bills, and temporarily fund all other agencies through January 30, 2026.

The three appropriations bills—covering agriculture, the legislative branch, and the Department of Veterans Affairs—maintain FY2024 funding through FY2026, providing stability for programs central to AIA’s federal government agenda, including housing, community development, and energy efficiency.  

These programs shape the broader context in which architects and communities operate. From strengthening local economies, ensuring those in poverty are fed, and improving energy resilience, these provisions help to advance AIA’s vision of a sustainable, equitable built environment. Through September 2026, these key provisions found in the full-year extensions will include:  

• Maintained funding for single-family and multi-family rural housing programs, housing repair grants, and community development, including rural rental assistance and new housing voucher funds.​
• Support for the preservation and revitalization of aging USDA-financed affordable rental housing for low-income and farmworker families.​
• Dedicated funds for military family housing construction and veterans’ home loan guarantees.
• USDA administered allocations for rural electrification, renewable energy projects, and energy efficiency upgrades.
• ​Resumed and maintained key federal aid program, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).  

All other agencies, including HUD and EPA, will run on a "continuing resolution" at prior-year funding through January, when another bill must be passed or those portions of the government will shut down again. Thus, major urban housing programs, community development block grants, and environmental justice initiatives will continue at 2025 levels through the January deadline.  

Any significant new initiatives, reforms, or increased investments in housing or climate resilience will need to be addressed in the coming months—and AIA will continue to engage Congress and agency partners to ensure architects’ voices are part of that conversation.