Housing News: 1st Week of February

Scott Turner Confirmed as New HUD Secretary Amid Affordable Housing Crisis

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Scott Turner as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in a 55-44 vote. Turner, who previously worked under President Trump promoting investment in distressed neighborhoods, now takes charge of an agency facing rising homelessness and a severe shortage of affordable housing.

Turner’s Background and Housing Experience

Turner played professional football for nearly a decade before entering politics. He served two terms as a Texas State Representative and later became chief visionary officer at JPI, a multifamily housing development firm. His experience in real estate development aligns with his stance on reducing regulations to encourage more housing construction.

However, his record as a lawmaker has raised concerns among housing advocates. He previously opposed expanding affordable rental housing in Texas and supported legislation allowing landlords to reject tenants who rely on federal housing assistance.

Priorities and Policy Stance

During his confirmation hearing, Turner stated that HUD is “failing at its most basic mission” as more Americans struggle to find stable housing. He criticized the agency’s effectiveness, saying it needs a full review of its programs to determine which are working.

Despite acknowledging the growing housing crisis, Turner resisted calls for additional federal funding. “There’s record funding from HUD,” he said, “and we’re still not meeting the need.” This aligns with previous Republican efforts to limit HUD’s budget, though he did not commit to supporting or opposing potential funding cuts.

Proposed Changes to Section 8 and Housing Regulations

One of Turner’s key priorities appears to be streamlining HUD programs, particularly the Section 8 housing voucher program. Many landlords avoid accepting Section 8 tenants due to complex requirements and slow government processing times. Turner suggested reducing regulatory barriers to make the program more attractive to property owners.

He also argued that restrictive housing regulations drive up construction costs and delay projects. He indicated that he would work with states to ease local rules, though it is unclear what specific changes he will push for at the federal level.

The Role of Rising Costs and Trade Policies

Turner pointed to rising construction costs, including expensive building materials, as a major issue affecting affordable housing. However, he declined to comment on Trump’s recent proposal to increase tariffs on Canadian lumber, which could make housing even more expensive.

Last week, the National Association of Homebuilders urged Trump to exempt construction materials from trade tariffs, warning that higher costs would make housing less affordable. It remains to be seen how Turner will navigate this issue, given its potential impact on the housing market.

Mixed Reactions to Turner’s Confirmation

Industry groups and housing organizations have responded with cautious optimism. The National Apartment Association and the National Multifamily Housing Council released a joint statement praising Turner’s experience in rental housing and community development. They expressed hope that he would help address the housing crisis.

Former HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, now leading Enterprise Community Partners, also voiced a willingness to work with Turner. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Sec. Turner to confront the very concerns he mentioned in his hearing — from rising homelessness to increased rental costs,” Donovan said.

However, affordable housing advocates remain skeptical. The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment (NAHRO) emphasized the need for HUD to deliver on its funding commitments. The organization referenced the Trump administration’s recent decision to pause some federal housing payments and stated that it would work to ensure agencies receive their allocated funds without disruption.

What This Means for Affordable Housing

Turner’s approach suggests a focus on deregulation and program efficiency rather than increased funding. While his emphasis on streamlining HUD’s operations may reduce bureaucratic hurdles, his reluctance to support more federal investment raises concerns about how effectively the agency can address the housing crisis.

For Section 8 tenants and those relying on HUD assistance, Turner’s leadership could lead to changes in voucher policies and rental assistance programs. Whether these changes will make housing more accessible or further limit support remains to be seen.

For more on how housing policies affect affordability, read:

• How Inflation Impacts Affordable Housing
• Immigrants and Section 8: The Scams You Need to Know About Before Applying
• Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in 2024: Are They Legit?

For the full story, visit KGOU.