According to a spokesman for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the department may adjust its mission statement in the coming months. The statement currently reads:

“HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality and affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.”

HUD secretary Ben Carson is purported to be “leading the charge” to add language into the mission statement about “self-sufficiency,” which was a major issue for him during the last presidential campaign and has been a central focus for the secretary since his appointment by President Trump. Currently, a much shorter proposed mission statement is circulating publicly:

“HUD’s mission is to ensure Americans have access to fair, affordable housing and opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, thereby strengthening our communities and nation.”

This mission statement is a draft and has not been formally acknowledged by HUD, which simply has stated that it is considering “modest changes” to the statement. These changes would be a fairly standard event, if implemented, since most administrations adjust HUD verbiage to, as HUD described it in a recent tweet, “make it a more clear and concise expression of the historic work this agency performs on behalf of the American people.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a statement last week on the subject, urging HUD retain “fair housing for all” as part of the mission. NAR president Elizabeth Mendenhall observed, “Not only is fair housing integral to the ethical commitment of our members…it is critical to our ability to serve our customers, clients, and the community,” as part of a public statement on the proposed changes.

Investor Insight:

Changes to HUD’s mission statement could affect HUD programs that many parties in real estate rely on in order to buy, sell, and rent properties.


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Categories | Article | Market & Trends
Tags | HUD
  • Carole VanSickle Ellis

    Carole VanSickle Ellis serves as the news editor and COO of Self-Directed Investor (SDI) Society, a membership organization dedicated to the needs of self-directed investors interested in alternative investment vehicles, including real estate. Learn more at SelfDirected.org or reach Carole directly by emailing Carole@selfdirected.org.

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