What does Preamble of RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot program to award grants to renovate and develop third spaces, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a pilot program. The Secretary of Commerce would be directed to administer this program. The program will award grants for the renovation and development of 'third spaces'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Revitalizing Equitable Spaces to Transform Our Regional Environments and Third Spaces Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings regarding the importance of 'third spaces'—social environments distinct from home and work—for democratic participation, mental health, and economic resilience. It states that third spaces foster connection across differences, reduce social isolation, and incubate local entrepreneurship. The text notes that disinvestment, segregation, and gentrification have disproportionately dismantled these spaces in underserved communities. Loss of accessible third spaces is linked to increased loneliness, disconnection, mistrust, and vulnerability to online radicalization. The Federal Government is identified as having a role in seeding and studying innovative third space models to promote equity and sustainability. The section suggests a national pilot program could catalyze local leadership and demonstrate the benefits of inclusive shared public life.

What does PILOT GRANT PROGRAM TO RENOVATE AND DEVELOP THIRD SPACES. of RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a pilot grant program to renovate and develop 'third spaces'. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services, will administer the program. Grant priorities include spaces that strengthen the local economy and mitigate social isolation. Applications must document community history, including historical inequities, and describe plans to engage community members in the design process. Funds can be used for planning, community engagement, feasibility studies, and construction costs. At least 60 percent of funds must be awarded to eligible entities serving low-income and underserved communities. Grants require policies to ensure third spaces remain free or low-cost to the public. The pilot program is initially authorized for three years, with a possible two-year extension. Eligible entities include local governments, nonprofit corporations, Federally recognized Indian tribes, and partnerships meeting specific criteria. Eligible entities must report on attendance rates, programs offered, and social, cultural, and economic impacts of the third spaces.

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RESTORE Third Spaces Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/26/2026 · Introduced: 5/26/2026

Author: LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a pilot grant program administered by the Secretary of Commerce to fund the renovation and development of 'third spaces,' which are social environments separate from home and work.
Grant funding prioritizes projects that strengthen local economies, mitigate social isolation, and serve low-income and underserved communities, requiring community engagement throughout the design process.
Recipients of grants must ensure these third spaces remain accessible to the public through free or low-cost policies and report on their social, cultural, and economic impacts.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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