• 101 - The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

  • By: Quiet. Please
  • Podcast

101 - The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

By: Quiet. Please
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  • Summary

  • This is your What does the US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development do, a 101 podcast.

    "Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Living Biography" is your go-to podcast for in-depth, regularly updated biographies of key figures leading the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Explore the personal journeys, professional achievements, and impactful policies of past and present Secretaries, all aimed at shaping America's housing landscape. Perfect for those interested in urban development, policy-making, and the influential leaders behind the scenes. Tune in for engaging stories and expert insights delivered in every episode.

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Political Science Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • "Housing Secretary Turner Faces Backlash Over Planned HUD Workforce Cuts"

    "Housing Secretary Turner Faces Backlash Over Planned HUD Workforce Cuts"
    Feb 20 2025
    Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, to become the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His confirmation was marked by a bipartisan vote of 55-44, and he was sworn in by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. In his initial remarks, Secretary Turner emphasized his commitment to lowering the cost of housing and expanding housing supply, aligning with President Trump’s executive order signed on his first day in office.

    Secretary Turner brings a diverse background to his new role, having previously led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, driving the Opportunity Zones Initiative. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Founder and CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, and a housing development executive at JPI. Additionally, Turner represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and had a nine-season career in the National Football League (NFL).

    However, his tenure has quickly been marred by controversy surrounding significant staffing cuts at HUD. On February 16, a group of Democratic Senators, including Patty Murray, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tina Smith, and Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary Turner expressing deep concerns about the planned reduction of HUD's workforce by 50 percent, which would affect nearly 4,300 staff members. The letter highlighted that no program office would be spared, with staffing cuts ranging from 10 to 84 percent across different offices.

    The Senators urged Secretary Turner to halt any additional cuts, citing the potential to exacerbate the housing crisis and hinder HUD's ability to implement its programs effectively. They also requested detailed answers to several questions regarding the transparency, accountability, and operational and financial implications of these staffing decisions by February 21.

    This move has been criticized for being counterproductive to the promises made by Secretary Turner during his confirmation hearing and the goals outlined in President Trump’s executive order. The cuts are expected to lead to costly delays and the potential collapse of many housing projects, further worsening the existing housing crisis.

    In response to these concerns, Secretary Turner is under pressure to provide clear justifications and details about the factors considered in the decision to reduce the workforce. The situation is being closely monitored by housing advocacy groups and congressional leaders, who are seeking to ensure that HUD's critical functions, including disaster recovery efforts and affordable housing programs, are not compromised by the staffing reductions.
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    3 mins
  • "Scott Turner Confirmed as 19th HUD Secretary, Pledges to Streamline Programs and Boost Affordable Housing"

    "Scott Turner Confirmed as 19th HUD Secretary, Pledges to Streamline Programs and Boost Affordable Housing"
    Feb 18 2025
    Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, to serve as the 19th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), following a bipartisan vote of 55-44. Turner was sworn in by Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas.

    Prior to his confirmation, Turner testified before the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on January 16, 2025. During his testimony and subsequent statements, Turner emphasized his commitment to restoring HUD to its core mission of supporting strong and sustainable communities and providing quality, affordable homes, particularly for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

    Turner brings a diverse background to the role, having previously led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC) and driven the Opportunity Zones Initiative. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Founder and CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, and as a housing development executive at JPI. Turner represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and had a nine-season career in the National Football League (NFL).

    As Secretary, Turner plans to undertake an expansive review of HUD to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline its single-family and multifamily lending programs. He aims to explore options for building on federal lands, ease regulations to lower housing costs, and utilize Opportunity Zones and other tax incentives for affordable housing. Additionally, Turner will prioritize economic revitalization and the financing of commercial real estate, while encouraging state and local governments to take steps to reduce housing costs[2].

    Turner's agenda aligns with President Trump’s initial executive order to lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply. He has expressed a strong commitment to reducing burdensome regulations to make homeownership easier and to unleash prosperity in communities that have been stifled for too long. Turner believes that housing is fundamental to building thriving communities and is a cornerstone of the American Dream[1].

    However, Turner's tenure at HUD is already facing challenges, particularly regarding staffing. Despite Congress's efforts to restore HUD’s staffing capacity to near 2012 levels, recent actions have led to a 13% reduction in overall staffing levels. This includes the deferred resignation program and the termination of probationary employees, which has raised concerns about HUD’s ability to meet its legal obligations under the Fair Housing Act and to support communities devastated by disasters[4].

    Despite these challenges, Turner and HUD will continue to focus on critical programs such as mortgage and loan insurance through the Federal Housing Administration, Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnership Act block grants, and rental assistance programs like Section 8. These initiatives are crucial for developing and supporting affordable housing, providing homeless assistance, and enforcing fair housing laws[3].

    As Turner begins his role, he is poised to work closely with various stakeholders, including the Treasury Department, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and Congress, particularly on issues related to the potential release of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship. His leadership will be pivotal in addressing the nation’s housing affordability crisis, homelessness, and other pressing housing-related issues[2].
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    4 mins
  • Former NFL Player and Housing Executive Scott Turner Confirmed as 19th HUD Secretary

    Former NFL Player and Housing Executive Scott Turner Confirmed as 19th HUD Secretary
    Feb 16 2025
    On February 5, 2025, the United States Senate confirmed Scott Turner as the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a bipartisan vote of 55-44. Turner, a former NFL player and housing development executive, was nominated by President Donald Trump for this role.

    Turner's confirmation marks a significant milestone, as he is now at the helm of a roughly $68 billion agency that provides critical services such as rental assistance, affordable housing development, and enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. His role involves overseeing a department with a $70 billion budget and 8,000 employees, and he has outlined ambitious plans to address the nation's housing challenges[4][5].

    During his confirmation hearing on January 16, 2025, Turner highlighted his experience in revitalizing opportunity zones and his commitment to making housing more affordable and accessible. Republicans praised his character and leadership, noting his journey from poverty to the NFL as a testament to his ability to lead HUD. Democrats, however, pressed him on potential policy continuities with Trump's first term, though they did not secure specific commitments on avoiding certain past policies[5].

    As Secretary, Turner plans to conduct an expansive review of HUD to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline its single-family and multifamily lending programs. He aims to ease regulations to lower housing costs, utilize Opportunity Zones and other tax incentives for affordable housing, and prioritize economic revitalization and financing of commercial real estate. Turner also intends to work with state and local governments to reduce housing costs and will collaborate with the Treasury Department, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and Congress on potential reforms related to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac[2].

    Turner's vision includes restoring HUD to its core mission of supporting strong and sustainable communities and providing quality, affordable homes. He emphasized the importance of reducing burdensome regulations to make homeownership easier and unleashing prosperity in communities across the country. His approach is centered on increasing self-sufficiency and empowering Americans to climb the economic ladder[1].

    Senators from both parties have expressed their support for Turner's confirmation. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) praised Turner's ability to create access to quality, affordable housing and reverse decades of failed housing policies. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) highlighted the need to address the affordable housing crisis and expressed confidence in Turner's ability to turn this situation around under President Trump's leadership[4].

    Turner's background is diverse and extensive, including his role as the leader of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), where he drove the Opportunity Zones Initiative. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Founder and CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, and a housing development executive at JPI. Additionally, Turner represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and played nine seasons in the NFL[4].

    As he begins his tenure, Turner is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the country's most distressed communities and addressing the nationwide housing crisis. His leadership and experience are seen as key factors in achieving these goals and in working towards a future where housing is more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
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    4 mins

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