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In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner reviewed the agency’s significant accomplishments during the initial 100 days of the current administration. He also outlined key areas of focus for the upcoming months.
Turner emphasized several achievements, including the revocation of regulations from the previous Biden and Obama administrations aimed at promoting innovation within the housing sector. His administration has concentrated on ensuring that American citizens are the primary beneficiaries of HUD’s resources while guaranteeing equitable access to these resources.
“Our attention is sharp, and our intentions are clear and focused,” Turner remarked. “Success requires diligence and a structured approach. From day one, we committed to restoring HUD’s mission of serving the nation’s most vulnerable populations, particularly as it relates to housing stability, addressing homelessness, disaster recovery, and fostering community development through public-private partnerships.”
As part of the mission to enhance HUD’s effectiveness, Turner has actively worked to eliminate what he deems unnecessary regulations. This includes the controversial Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, initially implemented under the Obama administration and later reinstated under Biden.
“We rescinded this rule to reallocate authority and flexibility back to local governments, recognizing that each community has its unique needs,” Turner explained. He criticized the previous mandate, which he argued allowed bureaucrats in Washington to unfairly dictate conditions for local communities.
Moreover, Turner announced a new collaboration between HUD and the Department of Homeland Security aimed at ensuring that HUD’s resources are prioritized for U.S. citizens. This partnership focuses on addressing the impact that noncitizens may have on the allocation of limited housing assistance.
“Our goal is to ensure that American residents are the primary occupants of HUD-funded housing,” Turner stated. “This initiative will enhance our data collection efforts to better understand who resides in accommodations subsidized by HUD and our Federal Housing Administration insurance programs. We have removed the non-permanent resident classification from the FHA, a category the previous administration overlooked.”
One of his first significant actions as Secretary involved dismantling an Obama-era equal access regulation. This policy required that HUD-funded programs base eligibility on an individual’s self-identified gender. Turner defended this decision, stating it aims to protect women’s safety in HUD-funded facilities, asserting, “We sought to prioritize biological sex at birth in these settings.”
Looking ahead, Turner identified plans aimed at reducing dependency on public assistance through work requirements integrated into HUD housing programs. He stressed the importance of fostering self-sufficiency among recipients.
“Safety nets should not be a resting place but rather a launching pad for self-sustainability,” Turner noted. “Our commitment at HUD is to decrease the number of individuals reliant on subsidies, facilitating a shift toward self-sufficiency, and positively altering people’s life trajectories.”
Turner added that his administration is committed to reducing the size of government, emphasizing the need to streamline operations. “Our objective is not to expand government; rather, we aim to facilitate practical partnerships that enhance housing affordability and address the national homelessness crisis,” he stated.
Additionally, Turner faced inquiries regarding the political consequences of his swift policy changes during the initial phase of the administration. He affirmed that being an effective servant leader often involves making challenging decisions that might not please everyone.
Ultimately, Turner believes that these choices serve the greater good of the country. He concluded, “Our dual responsibility is to be custodians of taxpayer money and to prioritize the well-being of Americans in relation to HUD services and facilities.”
As Scott Turner continues to navigate the complexities of housing and urban development, his focus remains on implementing reforms that not only benefit the government but also empower citizens to thrive in a stable and equitable housing market.
