HUD Secretary Turner Discusses Recovery Efforts, Workforce Cuts, Ends Fair Housing Rule

HUD Secretary Scott Turner is actively engaging with communities in Western North Carolina to support recovery efforts following recent disasters, emphasizing a holistic approach that promotes restoration and unity. During his visit, he discussed the important contributions of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and rejected divisive policies in favor of inclusivity. Meanwhile, HUD is facing internal challenges, including plans to reduce its workforce by 50% due to identified wasteful contracts, which has alarmed some Democratic leaders. Turner also announced the termination of the Biden-era Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, arguing that it imposed unnecessary burdens on local governments and hindered the affordable housing market. Critics fear that these drastic budget cuts may reverse progress made under the Biden administration in addressing the affordable housing crisis. As the nation grapples with these changes, the focus on local decision-making is positioned as a key strategy moving forward.