Mar 04 2025 3 mins
HUD Secretary Scott Turner has been at the forefront of significant changes and controversies in the housing sector over the past few days. In one of his first major addresses since taking office, Turner spoke to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Leadership Council during the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Here, he emphasized his commitment to reducing regulatory burdens to address America's housing affordability crisis.
Turner pledged to work with home builders and other stakeholders to eliminate unnecessary, ineffective, and costly regulations that hinder the construction of affordable housing. He stressed that a home is not just a physical structure but the foundation of a thriving community, and that regulatory reform is crucial for restoring efficiency at HUD and making homes more affordable for Americans[1][5].
One of the key actions taken by Secretary Turner is the termination of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which was reinstated by the Biden administration in 2021. This rule had imposed significant compliance requirements on localities, including complex jurisdictional and regional analyses, which Turner described as a "zoning tax" that increased housing costs and reduced supply. By terminating this rule, local and state governments will regain control over zoning decisions, transportation, and other local issues, allowing for more market-driven development and potentially increasing the availability of affordable housing[2].
However, these moves have not been without criticism. Representative Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, has called for an emergency oversight hearing to address several concerns regarding Secretary Turner's actions. Waters highlighted the mass firings of HUD employees and funding freezes implemented under the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) Task Force, which she argues could disrupt mortgage markets and harm renters and homeowners. Additionally, Waters expressed concern over Turner's decision to halt enforcement of the Equal Access Rule, which protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in homeless shelters[3].
Secretary Turner's approach also includes a broader critique of federal oversight in local affairs. He has stated that "Washington bureaucrats should not tell localities how to run their neighborhoods," reflecting his stance on reducing federal intervention in local zoning and housing decisions[4].
These recent actions and statements by Secretary Turner underscore a significant shift in HUD's policy direction, emphasizing deregulation and local control as key strategies to address the housing affordability crisis. However, they also highlight ongoing debates and concerns about the impact of these changes on various communities and the broader housing market.
Turner pledged to work with home builders and other stakeholders to eliminate unnecessary, ineffective, and costly regulations that hinder the construction of affordable housing. He stressed that a home is not just a physical structure but the foundation of a thriving community, and that regulatory reform is crucial for restoring efficiency at HUD and making homes more affordable for Americans[1][5].
One of the key actions taken by Secretary Turner is the termination of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which was reinstated by the Biden administration in 2021. This rule had imposed significant compliance requirements on localities, including complex jurisdictional and regional analyses, which Turner described as a "zoning tax" that increased housing costs and reduced supply. By terminating this rule, local and state governments will regain control over zoning decisions, transportation, and other local issues, allowing for more market-driven development and potentially increasing the availability of affordable housing[2].
However, these moves have not been without criticism. Representative Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, has called for an emergency oversight hearing to address several concerns regarding Secretary Turner's actions. Waters highlighted the mass firings of HUD employees and funding freezes implemented under the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) Task Force, which she argues could disrupt mortgage markets and harm renters and homeowners. Additionally, Waters expressed concern over Turner's decision to halt enforcement of the Equal Access Rule, which protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in homeless shelters[3].
Secretary Turner's approach also includes a broader critique of federal oversight in local affairs. He has stated that "Washington bureaucrats should not tell localities how to run their neighborhoods," reflecting his stance on reducing federal intervention in local zoning and housing decisions[4].
These recent actions and statements by Secretary Turner underscore a significant shift in HUD's policy direction, emphasizing deregulation and local control as key strategies to address the housing affordability crisis. However, they also highlight ongoing debates and concerns about the impact of these changes on various communities and the broader housing market.