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.
