NFHA Joins Housing Policy Groups in Urging the Administration to Create a National Housing Strategy to Tackle Housing Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2022

Media Contact: iwoodruff@nationalfairhousing.org 

Washington, D.C. —Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance’s (NFHA) President and CEO, Lisa Rice, joined the principals of the National Housing Conference and other national housing and lending organizations in meeting at the White House with Cabinet members and senior leaders in the Biden Administration to discuss the legislative, administrative, private sector, and state and local actions to address housing supply, fair housing, and affordability challenges throughout the country. Administration officials participating in the discussion included National Economic Council Director Brian Deese, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra Thompson, and American Rescue Plan Coordinator and Senior Advisor to the President Gene Sperling.

“The candid discussion demonstrated broad agreement on bipartisan approaches to increase housing supply and assistance, advance fair housing goals, and meet our shared commitment to addressing the critical housing needs of all households in America. We look forward to continuing to work together with leaders in Congress and the Administration,” Ms. Rice said.

“The time is ripe for a coordinated whole-of-government housing strategy. A bold national housing plan can jump-start economic growth and ensure equitable opportunities for underserved families. NFHA appreciates the work the Administration has already done to put leaders in place at federal agencies who want to create equitable opportunities to improve the lives of everyone in this country. We also appreciate the Administration’s efforts to deliver on key policy initiatives like the Homeowners Assistance Fund, PAVE Action Plan, GSE Equitable Housing Finance Plans, Special Purpose Credit Program Guidance, relief for student loan borrowers, and more. Given the ongoing challenges that we face, I am heartened by the broad-based sentiment among everyone in attendance, including administration officials, that we must do more to alleviate the housing challenges faced by millions in this nation,” she added.

“Rising housing costs continue to be a core driver of inflation, accounting for more than 40% of the increase in the inflation rate. The Administration and Congress have the tools that can provide relief for struggling families while helping to grow the economy. Now is the opportunity to advance strategic measures to address inflation and expand housing opportunities for those who need it most,” Ms. Rice continued.

During the discussion, NFHA’s President and CEO emphasized the following priorities:

• Creating a national housing strategy that encompasses a whole-of-government approach.
• Embedding fair housing in every federal plan that addresses the economy, housing, education, the environment, transportation, technology, employment, and agriculture by making sure the plans explicitly reference fair housing principles.
• Reforming the appraisal system to include overhauling the governance structure by transferring rulemaking from The Appraisal Foundation to the Appraisal Subcommittee.
• Establishing programs to assist First-Generation Homebuyers as a way to increase homeownership opportunities for underserved groups, including targeting for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Providing additional resources for programs that will address the housing crisis, such as the Fair Housing Initiatives and Assistance Programs, Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, housing vouchers, project-based rental assistance, Unlocking Possibilities Program, Community Restoration and Revitalization Fund, Investing in Native Communities, and Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities and Elders.

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The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the country’s only national civil rights organization dedicated solely to eliminating all forms of housing and lending discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people. As the trade association for over 170 fair housing and justice-centered organizations and individuals throughout the U.S. and its territories, NFHA works to dismantle longstanding barriers to equity and build diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities.