In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Texas state Rep. Scott Turner as the new secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner has a diverse background ranging from a nine-season career in the NFL to serving two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. He is currently the chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute.
His appointment is seen as a strategic choice, given his previous experience leading a council focused on revitalizing distressed communities during Trump’s first term.
Turner’s track record includes steering billions in private investment towards Opportunity Zones, an initiative designed to uplift areas plagued by high unemployment and deteriorating housing conditions. While this effort received bipartisan praise, it also faced criticism for disproportionately benefiting wealthy investors through tax breaks.
As Turner steps into his new role, housing and anti-poverty advocates are preparing for potential policy shifts and budget battles. This is especially true with the extensive agenda outlined in Project 2025, a document that includes numerous proposals from Trump’s first-term HUD secretary, Ben Carson.
Scott Turner’s Appointment and Background
Scott Turner’s diverse career trajectory makes him a unique choice for HUD secretary. His experience spans from professional sports to public service, offering a blend of leadership and community-focused initiatives. As chair of the Center for Education Opportunity, Turner has been at the forefront of policy development aimed at improving education and economic opportunities in underserved communities.
During Trump’s first term, Turner led a council tasked with revitalizing distressed communities, focusing on Opportunity Zones. This initiative aimed to attract private investment to economically struggling areas, providing tax incentives to investors. While the program was lauded for its potential to stimulate economic growth, critics argued that it primarily benefited wealthy investors rather than the local residents it was intended to help.
Project 2025: A Controversial Blueprint
One of the most contentious aspects of Turner’s appointment is the extensive policy agenda laid out in Project 2025. Although Trump has denied any direct connection to the Heritage Foundation document, the chapter on HUD was authored by his first-term HUD secretary, Ben Carson. The proposals within this document signal a significant shift in housing policy, with several key initiatives likely to spark debate.
- Ban on families with undocumented members from living in federally assisted housing: This rule would put tens of thousands of U.S. citizens or legal residents, mostly children, at risk of eviction or homelessness.
- Elimination of a federal fund to boost affordable housing supply: The proposal suggests that federally subsidized housing distorts the market and advocates for loosening local zoning rules to encourage construction.
- Repeal of a rule meant to prevent segregation: This rule is intended to comply with the Fair Housing Act, but Carson argued it imposed unworkable requirements.
- End of the Housing First policy: This policy places people in subsidized housing and then addresses drug and mental health issues. The new approach would require sobriety first, a strategy that has previously failed.
- Tightening work requirements for federal housing subsidies: This echoes past attempts to impose stricter work requirements for food aid, which were blocked in federal court.
Potential Impact on Housing and Poverty
The proposed changes in Project 2025, coupled with ongoing efforts by congressional Republicans to cut HUD funding, have raised concerns among housing and anti-poverty advocates. Peggy Bailey, executive vice president for policy and program development at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, anticipates significant budget fights ahead. She notes that the Trump administration’s agenda is more organized this time, with fewer moderate Republicans likely to push back in Congress.
Bob Greenstein, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution and founder of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, warns that the proposed budget cuts could lead to increased poverty. He points out the irony that many of the affected programs target not only the poor but also modest and moderate-income families, who form a substantial part of Trump’s political base.
Debate Over Regulatory Changes
While some experts believe substantial budget cuts are unlikely, they do anticipate regulatory changes. Kevin Corinth, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, supports the idea of restricting noncitizens in public housing and tightening work requirements. He also backs longer-term goals such as selling public housing agency land to private developers and setting time limits on rental subsidies.
However, critics argue that these changes are not a viable solution. Sarah Saadian from the National Low Income Housing Coalition contends that breaking up HUD would merely shift responsibility without addressing the underlying issues. She emphasizes that most residents who can work already do, but they struggle with low wages that make housing unaffordable.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Scott Turner takes on his new role as HUD secretary, the housing landscape in the United States stands on the brink of significant change.
The proposed policies and budget cuts outlined in Project 2025 will undoubtedly shape the future of housing and urban development. Advocates and policymakers will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are protected and supported.
Turner’s leadership and experience in community-focused initiatives could bring a fresh perspective to HUD. However, the challenges ahead are substantial, and the impact of these proposed changes will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics.
As the new administration takes office, the future of housing policy in the United States remains uncertain, with potential implications for millions of Americans.
For more information on Scott Turner’s appointment and the proposed changes to HUD, visit the original article on WKNO FM.