Épisodes

  • "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 min
  • "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 min
  • 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 min
  • "Experienced Housing Leader Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary, Poised to Address Affordable Housing Crisis and Homelessness"

    "Experienced Housing Leader Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary, Poised to Address Affordable Housing Crisis and Homelessness"
    Feb 13 2025
    Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, to serve as the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), following a bipartisan vote of 55-44. He was sworn in by Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Clarence Thomas.

    Secretary Turner, a former NFL player and Texas state legislator, has a diverse background that includes leading the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC) and driving the Opportunity Zones Initiative. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church and was the Founder and CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, as well as a housing development executive at JPI.

    In his role as HUD Secretary, Turner has outlined several key priorities. He aims to restore 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 emphasized the need to reduce burdensome regulations to make homeownership easier and to unleash prosperity in communities that have been stifled for too long. He also highlighted that housing is crucial for building thriving communities and is a foundation of the American Dream[1][5].

    One of the significant challenges facing Secretary Turner is the current state of the housing market, which includes persistently high mortgage rates, a shortage of housing inventory, growing demand for subsidized housing, and record levels of homelessness. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates a shortage of 7.3 million units of affordable rental homes across the country, particularly in high-cost metropolitan areas. Addressing this housing affordability crisis and the rising homelessness, which increased by over 18% in 2024, will be among his major feats[2].

    Turner will also need to navigate complex issues related to fair housing and lending. He must ensure that HUD's enforcement of the Fair Housing Act aligns with the Supreme Court's *Inclusive Communities* decision and resolve the ongoing debate over the "disparate impact" rule, which was withdrawn by the Biden Administration and replaced with an older rule from the Obama era[2].

    The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a key component of HUD, faces its own set of challenges. With a portfolio of over $1.5 trillion and more than 8 million active loans, the FHA has been working to keep distressed borrowers in their homes through various workout and loss mitigation processes. However, the increasing number of borrowers utilizing "partial claims" to stay current on their mortgages presents ongoing challenges. Additionally, Ginnie Mae, which is part of HUD, is undergoing a large-scale redesign initiative to transition its Mortgage-Backed Securities platform, a project that will cost tens of millions of dollars[2].

    Secretary Turner will also focus on disaster recovery efforts, as HUD plays a critical role in the long-term recovery of communities devastated by natural disasters. Ensuring that assistance flows efficiently and effectively to those in need will be a significant part of his responsibilities[2].

    In terms of administrative tasks, Turner will need to fill key positions within HUD with seasoned professionals in areas such as public and subsidized housing, fair housing/lending, mortgage banking, and financial markets. Upgrading HUD's IT infrastructure, a process that has been ongoing under both the Trump and Biden Administrations, will also be a priority to improve the department's performance[2].

    Chairman Tim Scott of the Senate Banking Committee expressed support for Turner's confirmation, highlighting his qualifications and the shared goal of addressing the housing crisis and increasing access to quality, affordable housing. Chairman Scott looks forward to working with Secretary Turner to cut bureaucratic red tape and advance commonsense housing solutions[3].
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    4 min
  • Controversial Appointment: Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary Amid Divisive Policy Shifts

    Controversial Appointment: Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary Amid Divisive Policy Shifts
    Feb 11 2025
    Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, to serve as the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a bipartisan vote of 55-44. He was sworn in by Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas. Turner expressed his honor and humility in serving the American people and the Trump Administration, emphasizing his commitment to restoring HUD to its core mission of supporting strong, sustainable communities and providing quality, affordable homes.

    Turner brings a diverse background to his new role, having led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he spearheaded the Opportunity Zones Initiative aimed at fostering economic growth in underserved communities. 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. A lifelong Texan, Turner represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

    One of Turner's immediate and contentious actions as HUD Secretary was to direct the department to halt any pending or future enforcement actions related to the 2016 Equal Access Rule. This rule allowed individuals to self-identify their gender to access federally funded housing programs, including single-sex shelters. Turner described the rule as overly restrictive and tied to "far-left gender ideology," arguing it eroded protections for vulnerable individuals in shelters. The new directive ensures that housing and shelter programs funded by HUD will base service eligibility on biological sex at birth—male or female. This move has drawn both praise from those advocating for the safety and privacy of women in shelters and criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups who view the rule’s repeal as discriminatory.

    Turner's decision is part of a broader effort to align HUD's policies with President Trump’s housing agenda, which includes reducing burdensome regulations that hinder homeownership and housing development. He has also spoken of reevaluating HUD programs to ensure they are advancing the goal of creating thriving communities rather than perpetuating inefficiency. Chairman Tim Scott of the Senate Banking Committee expressed support for Turner's approach, highlighting the need to cut bureaucratic red tape and advance commonsense housing solutions to put more Americans on the path to homeownership.

    Turner's leadership comes at a critical time when housing markets across the country face significant affordability challenges, with millions of Americans struggling to keep up with rising rents and a limited supply of homes. His commitment to expanding housing supply, empowering individuals and families economically, and ensuring the wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars will be key in addressing these systemic issues. Despite the early controversy, Turner's multifaceted experience and history of bipartisan collaboration suggest he may be able to command broader appeal in a politically divided era.
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    3 min
  • New HUD Secretary Faces Daunting Housing Crisis and Homelessness Challenges

    New HUD Secretary Faces Daunting Housing Crisis and Homelessness Challenges
    Feb 9 2025
    On February 5, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Turner as the new Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a vote of 55-44. This confirmation comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with a severe housing crisis, rising homelessness, and various challenges in the housing market.

    Secretary Turner, previously the White House Opportunity Zone czar during the first Trump administration, brings a background in coordinating federal agencies to attract private investors to economically distressed areas. His experience includes directing investments in Opportunity Zones, a initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed at boosting development in these communities[1][3].

    One of the immediate actions taken by Secretary Turner was to halt the enforcement of HUD's gender identity rule, a decision announced just two days after his confirmation[4].

    The National Alliance to End Homelessness has emphasized the critical role Secretary Turner will play in addressing the housing crisis and homelessness. The Alliance highlighted the need for a collaborative and non-partisan approach, stressing that solutions must be grounded in evidence and informed by community insights and the experiences of those who have been homeless. They also urged Turner to leverage the expertise of HUD's career staff to ensure effective housing programs[3].

    Secretary Turner faces numerous challenges, including persistently high mortgage rates, a shortage of housing inventory, and a significant increase in homelessness. According to HUD, the number of people experiencing homelessness rose by more than 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates a shortage of 7.3 million units of affordable rental homes, particularly in high-cost metropolitan areas[5].

    Another key area of focus for Secretary Turner will be fair housing and lending enforcement. He must navigate the complexities of the Fair Housing Act, ensuring that HUD's policies align with the Supreme Court's *Inclusive Communities* decision. This includes resolving the issue of the "disparate impact" rule, which was withdrawn by the Biden Administration and replaced with an older rule from the Obama era[5].

    The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of HUD, also presents significant challenges. With a portfolio of over $1.5 trillion and more than 8 million active loans, the FHA has been working to keep distressed borrowers in their homes through various loss mitigation processes. However, the number of FHA borrowers utilizing partial claims to stay current on their mortgages has increased substantially, from 400,000 four years ago to over 1.7 million today[5].

    In addition to these housing issues, Secretary Turner will need to oversee HUD's role in long-term recovery efforts following natural disasters. HUD plays a crucial role in assisting communities with redevelopment and ensuring that assistance is delivered efficiently and effectively[5].

    Modernizing HUD's IT infrastructure is another priority for Secretary Turner. This includes continuing the FHA IT modernization efforts that were ongoing under both the Trump and Biden administrations to improve overall performance across HUD[5].

    Overall, Secretary Turner's tenure at HUD will be marked by significant challenges and opportunities to address the complex and multifaceted issues within the U.S. housing market.
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    4 min
  • New HUD Secretary Scott Turner Vows to Tackle Housing Crisis and Boost Homeownership

    New HUD Secretary Scott Turner Vows to Tackle Housing Crisis and Boost Homeownership
    Feb 6 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 native Texan, brings a diverse background to the role, having served as a professional athlete in the National Football League, an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, and a housing development executive at JPI. He also represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, driving the Opportunity Zones Initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act[3].

    Turner's confirmation was welcomed by Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who highlighted Turner's qualifications and shared goals of addressing the housing crisis and increasing access to quality, affordable housing. Chairman Scott emphasized the need to reverse decades of failed housing policies and cut bureaucratic red tape to advance commonsense housing solutions and put more Americans on the path to homeownership[1].

    In his remarks following the confirmation, Secretary Turner expressed his commitment to the department's core mission of supporting strong and sustainable communities and quality, affordable homes. He vowed to reduce burdensome regulations to make homeownership easier and to unleash prosperity in communities that have been stifled for too long. Turner also underscored that housing is fundamental to building thriving communities and the American Dream[3].

    The confirmation comes at a critical time, as the country is grappling with significant housing challenges. The latest homelessness survey revealed an 18 percent increase in homelessness, affecting nearly 772,000 Americans. Additionally, there has been a substantial rise in mortgage rates and rents during President Biden's tenure, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many Americans[1].

    Fair housing advocates have also responded to Turner's confirmation, with the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) expressing hopes to work with him to address critical issues such as appraisal bias, housing discrimination, and the need for inclusive and equitable communities. The NFHA noted concerns about the recent removal of the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) Taskforce from HUD's website and the need for continued enforcement of the Fair Housing Act[4].

    As Secretary Turner begins his tenure, he faces the daunting task of addressing these multifaceted housing issues while working to restore HUD's focus on its core mission. His leadership will be crucial in implementing policies that make housing more accessible and affordable, and in ensuring that the department serves the nation's most vulnerable populations effectively.
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    3 min
  • Former NFL Player Appointed as New HUD Secretary, Vows to Tackle Housing Crisis

    Former NFL Player Appointed as New HUD Secretary, Vows to Tackle Housing Crisis
    Feb 6 2025
    On February 5, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Turner as the new Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a vote of 55-44, largely along party lines. Turner, a former NFL player and the "chief visionary officer" for a multifamily-focused development and construction company, brings a unique blend of experience to the role.

    During his confirmation hearing on January 16, 2025, Republicans praised Turner's personal story, highlighting his journey from poverty to the NFL as a testament to his character and leadership potential. Democrats, however, pressed him on whether the incoming administration would avoid certain housing policies from President Trump's first term, though they did not receive definitive commitments on this front[1][3][4].

    Turner has been vocal about the challenges facing HUD, stating that the agency is "failing at its most basic mission" and emphasizing the urgent need to increase housing production. He advocated for the construction of "millions of homes, all kinds of homes: multifamily, single-family, duplex, condos, manufactured housing," to address the nation's housing shortage and affordability crisis[3].

    One of Turner's expressed interests is in expanding the "Opportunity Zone" program, an initiative he worked on during President Trump's first term. This program provides tax benefits for investments made in low-income neighborhoods, aiming to stimulate economic growth and development in these areas[3].

    The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have expressed support for Turner's confirmation. NAR praised his experience as a Texas state representative and his role as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, noting that he understands the critical role housing and homeownership play in community health. NAHB looks forward to working with Turner to eliminate excessive regulations, ensure stable housing markets, and promote policies that support the housing industry and economy[3][4].

    Turner's confirmation comes at a time when the nation is grappling with a significant housing shortfall and affordability crisis. With HUD's $70 million budget and approximately 8,000 employees, Turner's leadership will be crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring that housing and community development agencies receive their federally appropriated funds without disruption[1][3].

    As he begins his tenure, Turner has indicated that he will first assess HUD's existing programs before outlining specific plans for the agency. This approach is seen as a step towards modernizing and simplifying HUD's regulations to make it easier to use HUD programs, particularly for first-time and first-generation homebuyers[3][4].

    Overall, Scott Turner's confirmation as HUD Secretary marks a new chapter in the agency's efforts to address the nation's housing challenges, with a focus on increasing housing production, expanding affordable housing opportunities, and revitalizing communities through targeted initiatives.
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    3 min