• "Controversial HUD Secretary Ushers in Sweeping Changes, Sparking Debate on Housing Equity"

  • Feb 23 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

"Controversial HUD Secretary Ushers in Sweeping Changes, Sparking Debate on Housing Equity"

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  • Summary

  • Scott Turner, the newly confirmed 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has been making significant waves in the housing and urban development landscape since his confirmation by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025.

    One of the most contentious decisions made by Secretary Turner is the halt on enforcing HUD’s 2016 “Equal Access Rule,” which mandated that all programs and shelters receiving funding from HUD's Community Planning and Development (CPD) programs must grant equal access to facilities and services in accordance with an individual’s gender identity. Turner has stopped any pending or future enforcement actions related to this rule, citing the need to "restore biological truth to the federal government" and recognizing only two sexes: male and female. This move has been criticized for potentially limiting the rights and access of transgender individuals to shelters and housing services, particularly those intended for women impacted by trauma, domestic abuse, and violence[2].

    In addition to this policy shift, Secretary Turner has been instrumental in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce spending across federal agencies. On February 13, Turner announced that HUD had already identified over $260 million in savings, with more cuts anticipated. This is part of a broader initiative by the administration to reduce federal spending, which includes the termination of contracts and the review of grants. For instance, the USDA reported the termination of 78 contracts totaling more than $132 million, with more reviews underway[5].

    The administration's cost-cutting measures have also led to significant staffing reductions. There are reports that 50% of HUD’s staff will be discharged, and a similar reduction is happening at the USDA Rural Development, where at least 550 staff members have been let go. These cuts have raised concerns from advocacy groups and senators, who argue that such reductions will exacerbate the affordable housing crisis in rural America[5].

    Secretary Turner is also overseeing changes to various HUD programs and regulations. For example, HUD has published a final rule revising the HOME Investment Partnerships program regulations to update, simplify, or streamline requirements and better align the program with other federal housing programs. Additionally, HUD has established new operating cost adjustment factors for eligible affordable rental multifamily properties, which will be effective starting February 11, 2025[4].

    Furthermore, HUD is in the process of revising the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, with a new interim final rule submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This follows the withdrawal of a 2023 proposed rule in January 2025. The details of the new rule are not yet publicly available[5].

    These actions reflect Secretary Turner’s commitment to the Trump administration’s priorities, including reducing regulatory burdens and aligning HUD’s mission with what he describes as "restoring HUD to its core mission of supporting strong and sustainable communities and quality, affordable homes"[1].
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