HUD Secretary Cancels Asheville’s DEI-Focused Hurricane Relief Plan

HUD Secretary Cancels Asheville’s DEI-Focused Hurricane Relief Plan

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner has rejected a draft hurricane relief plan from Asheville, North Carolina, which included a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. This initiative intended to prioritize certain residents over others, a move deemed unacceptable by HUD officials.

Turner clearly articulated the decision, stating that DEI initiatives will not receive funding under HUD. He emphasized the need for compliance with President Trump’s executive orders aimed at eliminating such programs. Turner explained that while HUD looks forward to aiding North Carolinians in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the incorporation of DEI into Asheville’s draft action plan was fundamentally problematic.

Asheville, a Democratic stronghold, recently shared its draft plan online detailing how millions in relief funds would be distributed following Hurricane Helene, which struck the area in September 2024. The plan’s DEI section sparked outrage and scrutiny from federal officials.

Overview of the Disaster and Funding

In January, HUD allocated $225 million through a Community Development Block Grant to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene. The storm had devastating effects in North Carolina, particularly in the western Appalachian region, resulting in severe flooding, power outages, and destruction of entire neighborhoods. Tragically, at least 106 people lost their lives in the storm.

The Asheville draft plan, titled “How Programs Will Support Vulnerable Populations,” indicated that minority-owned and women-owned businesses would receive priority for assistance. This section aimed to address the specific needs of these communities.

Actions Taken by HUD

After being alerted to the plan’s language, HUD took immediate action. Officials highlighted that President Trump’s first action in office was to sign executive orders intended to eliminate governmental DEI initiatives. These orders focused on ending perceived discrimination in favor of merit-based opportunities.

Turner reiterated that HUD is committed to serving all communities without regard to race or other identifiers. His remarks aimed to reassure the public of HUD’s dedication to equitable practices while adhering strictly to the current administration’s regulations.

Response from Asheville Officials

In response to the situation, Asheville’s Mayor Esther Manheimer noted the city’s commitment to compliance with HUD’s requirements. Manheimer acknowledged the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure they meet federal standards, which are necessary for securing vital funding for recovery operations.

Manheimer expressed gratitude for HUD’s support, understanding the crucial role federal assistance plays in the aftermath of such significant devastation.

Revised Action Plan

On March 10, Asheville released an updated draft of its action plan. This revision removed the contentious section relating to prioritizing minority- and women-owned businesses. The city aims to align closely with HUD guidelines to facilitate smooth access to funding.

Impact of DEI Contracts at HUD

In February, Turner disclosed that HUD was in the process of canceling $4 million worth of DEI-related contracts. This decision followed an investigation by a new task force aimed at improving government efficiency, which uncovered excessive spending in DEI programs.

These canceled contracts involved initiatives described as “culture transformation” and “outward mindset training,” both of which are aimed at fostering inclusivity. Turner criticized these expenditures as an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, stating it diverted attention from directly assisting communities in need.

The Path Ahead for Asheville

The Mayor of Asheville emphasized their commitment to embodying the values of inclusivity while adhering to federal guidelines. As the city continues its recovery efforts, it is crucial that they establish a framework that meets both the community’s needs and the regulatory expectations set forth by HUD.

As Asheville reevaluates its approach to disaster relief, the focus will likely shift towards developing strategies that comply with federal requirements without compromising the support vulnerable populations might require.

The cancellation of the DEI aspects indicates a significant shift in policy under the current HUD leadership. For communities like Asheville, understanding and navigating these changes will be paramount as they seek to rebuild following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Overall, the situation reflects broader national discussions surrounding DEI initiatives, especially in government-funded programs. As new policies unfold, local leaders will need to be proactive in ensuring their communities receive the assistance they require while embracing compliance with federal standards.