HUD’s Next Secretary Must Safeguard Civil Rights and Solve the Nation’s Fair and Affordable Housing Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2025
Media Contact: NFHA@skdknick.com
HUD’s Next Secretary Must Safeguard Civil Rights and Solve the Nation’s Fair and Affordable Housing Crisis
Washington, D.C. — Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA™) released the following statement from Lisa Rice, President and CEO, ahead of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary-Nominee Scott Turner’s confirmation hearing:
“Where you live matters and determines your ability to live in a resource-rich community with life-affirming amenities necessary to thrive. Today, the U.S. Senate and nation will have the first opportunity to hear from Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on his vision for leading the agency. HUD is the federal agency responsible for enforcing and advancing the Fair Housing Act to create vibrant, sustainable, inclusive communities for everyone. This is a critical time for HUD’s important work, with the nation facing a fair and affordable housing crisis; skyrocketing housing costs continuing to drive inflation; and an 18 percent increase in homelessness where hundreds of thousands of families were seeking a home prior to the recent natural disasters in North Carolina and California. With housing discrimination complaints at an all-time high, many feel their dreams of homeownership are too far out of reach.
Senators on both sides of the aisle must thoroughly and thoughtfully vet Mr. Turner to ensure he is committed to advancing fair housing and fair lending opportunities for all. Housing was a top concern for voters during the November election. People are seeking solutions that will drive down the rising costs of housing and provide fair market rents, expand fair access to mortgage credit in underserved communities, reduce homeowners’ insurance costs, and produce the development of over five million affordable housing units. Voters supported initiatives nationally that would provide them the fair and affordable housing opportunities they deserve and that are essential to achieving the American Dream.
The next leader of HUD must also be ready to combat ever-present discriminatory housing and lending practices. In our latest Fair Housing Trends Report, we noted that in 2023 people nationwide filed the highest number of fair housing complaints since NFHA began collecting this data over 25 years ago. In the past few years, the Department of Justice reached record fair lending settlements providing $150 million of relief for survivors of discrimination. These cases involved a range of financial institutions, including credit unions and non-depository institutions. Bias in our markets has existed for far too long and is now driven by rapidly evolving algorithms exacerbating racial and economic inequality.
We are watching today’s hearing to learn about Mr. Turner’s priorities to safeguard civil rights and advance fair housing, equitable opportunities, and thriving communities.
During the first Trump Administration, critical fair housing and lending rules were severely weakened, undermining longstanding responsibilities to deliver the promises of the Fair Housing Act and ensure economic stability. And HUD’s staff and budget were gutted rendering its Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity incapable of effectively resolving housing discrimination complaints brought by people of color, women, people with disabilities, families with children, people of faith, LGBTQ persons, and more. Moreover, these extensive budgetary cuts rendered HUD incapable of addressing the eviction crisis as well as the fair and affordable housing crisis that was ignited by the 2008 financial market collapse and ensuing Great Recession.
The National Fair Housing Alliance and its members hold every presidential administration accountable for ensuring the promise of fair housing for all is upheld so everyone can have a safe, decent, home in a resource-rich community. We stand ready to work with the next HUD Secretary to ensure that the purpose of the Fair Housing Act is fulfilled throughout the nation.”
About the National Fair Housing Alliance
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 200 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.