Why It Matters

The national housing affordability crisis is creating a rare legislative opening that Meridian River Development Corp. is racing to capitalize on. Congress is actively debating two major bipartisan housing bills—the ROAD to Housing Act (S.2651) and the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644)—while simultaneously negotiating the FY 2026 THUD appropriations bill.

Housing programs like HOME Investment Partnerships face potential cuts in the House proposal, even as bipartisan members push for expanded federal support. For Meridian, a developer focused on affordable housing, securing robust federal funding is existential. By lobbying on both appropriations and major legislative vehicles simultaneously, Meridian is hedging its bets across multiple pathways to influence federal housing policy.

By the Numbers

Meridian spent $50,000 on lobbying in the last quarter of 2025 through Holland & Knight LLP. The organization has lobbied consistently since 2015 with a total expenditure of $1.11 million across 35 disclosures—all through the same firm.

The lobbying team consists of one registered lobbyist: Karl R. Koch, a former Chief of Staff to Rep. Jim Davis (D-FL-11) who has generated over $32 million in lobbying fees since leaving Capitol Hill. Koch’s prior clients included the City of Tampa ($1.77 million), the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority ($1.31 million), and the Mortgage Bankers Association ($700,000).

Meridian’s priorities have remained consistent across its decade-long engagement, focusing on Budget/Appropriations and Housing programs in 34 of its 35 filings.

The Agenda

Meridian is lobbying on two major housing reform bills dominating Congress: S.2651 – ROAD to Housing Act and H.R. 6644 – Housing for the 21st Century Act, both aimed at expanding housing supply and reforming federal programs.

The organization is also focused on the FY 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations process, historically lobbying for federal funding for affordable housing programs, Community Development Block Grants, and the Rental Assistance Demonstration program.

Broader Context

Congress is experiencing rare bipartisan consensus on housing affordability. The Senate Banking Committee advanced the ROAD to Housing Act with broad support, while the House is pushing the Housing for the 21st Century Act, which streamlines environmental reviews and expands affordable housing financing.

The FY 2026 THUD appropriations debate reveals significant divisions. The House proposed $67.8 billion for HUD with cuts to key programs, while the Senate called for $73.3 billion with maintained funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program—critical to affordable housing developers.

Supply-side housing solutions and zoning reform are gaining traction across the administration and Congress, with recent hearings focusing on removing regulatory barriers to development.

Between The Lines

The Senate Banking Committee advanced the ROAD to Housing Act (S.2651), a comprehensive package with 40 provisions addressing housing supply and community development. The House proposed cutting HUD funding to $67.8 billion and eliminating the HOME program entirely, while the Senate countered with $73.3 billion and maintained HOME funding at $1.3 billion.

Beyond appropriations, the House Financial Services Committee held hearings on increasing housing supply and rural housing challenges. Members from both parties are championing specific initiatives—Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Mike Flood (R-NE) introduced the HOME Reform Act, while Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) advanced legislation identifying regulatory barriers.

Competitive Landscape

Meridian operates within a crowded advocacy ecosystem. Several entities share Holland & Knight as their lobbying firm, creating a coordinated practice area around affordable housing:

This concentration suggests Holland & Knight has developed specialized expertise in federal housing appropriations and policy.

The Bottom Line

The organization is targeting the FY 2026 THUD appropriations process and two major housing bills during a period of bipartisan congressional momentum on housing affordability. However, the effort faces a contested appropriations environment where the House proposed significant cuts to HUD funding while the Senate sought to maintain current levels.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article