Affordable housing policy prioritizes Americans. HUD Secretary Scott Turner delivered this clear message in his cabinet report today. His remarks outlined sweeping policy changes aimed at addressing America’s housing affordability crisis. You can read a transcript of his full comments below.

At the heart of the update is a clear message: HUD-funded housing will now prioritize American citizens, with new strategies aimed at reducing costs, eliminating barriers, and unlocking the housing supply.

Zoning Reform and Local Control Take Center Stage

Turner emphasized HUD’s move to eliminate the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which he described as a “zoning tax” from Washington. By doing so, HUD aims to return decision-making power to localities and reduce what they see as federal overreach in housing development.

“No longer will Washington be picking winners and losers, but localities and elected officials in different states and cities will have that flexibility.”

HUD Secretary Scott Turner

Learn more about AFFH via HUD.

This rollback may result in more flexibility for developers and local officials, but critics argue it could limit fair housing oversight. Navigate will continue monitoring how these changes impact communities most in need of equitable housing options.

Federal Land to Be Used for Housing Development

In partnership with the Department of the Interior (DOI), HUD plans to identify underutilized federal lands suitable for housing development. This aligns with long-standing calls from housing advocates to leverage federal assets to ease housing shortages.

Citizenship Requirements in HUD Housing

Turner also reported on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The goal: restrict HUD-funded housing to American citizens only, excluding undocumented immigrants from eligibility.

“We signed an MOU with Secretary Noem at DHS to make sure that HUD funded housing only go to American citizens and no longer will it go to illegal aliens coming across our border.”

HUD Secretary Scott Turner

According to Turner, there are cost savings from implementing an affordable housing policy that prioritizes Americans:

• 9 million individuals currently live in subsidized housing.
• 59% of undocumented families reportedly access some form of welfare.
• HUD spends $42 billion annually on these programs for undocumented immigrants.

This policy shift is part of a broader federal strategy to prioritize American citizens in benefit programs.

For current HUD eligibility guidelines, visit HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program page.

Changes to Equal Access Rule Affect Shelter Policies

He also addressed revisions to the Equal Access Rule, which will impact how shelters operate. According to Turner, shelters will now be allowed to restrict access based on biological sex. He framed this as a move to protect women in single-sex shelters.

This decision reverses previous HUD guidance that protected the rights of individuals with gender identities in accessing shelters.

HUD Identifies $2 Billion in Savings and Cuts DEI Spending

Turner closed his report with a financial update, highlighting HUD’s internal cost-cutting measures:

• $2 billion in total savings
• $1.9 billion sent back to the U.S. Treasury
• Elimination of $4 million in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) contracts

These actions reflect a broader pivot away from DEI investments and toward direct housing development and cost efficiency.