Local Government Leaders Meet with HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge

Topics included Housing Production, Affordability, Discrimination, and Homelessness

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge recently met with local government leaders representing the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) to identify opportunities for HUD collaboration to address the region’s housing needs. The following are a few takeaways from the discussion:

Housing Production: Area officials spoke of the substantial need for more housing at the right price points and in the right places, such as locations near public transit options. Several participants remarked how preserving and building affordable housing within planned transit corridors can unlock opportunities for traditionally underserved communities.

Housing Affordability: Secretary Fudge indicated that about 18 million people throughout the United States are spending more than half of their income on housing.

Housing Discrimination: Secretary Fudge pointed to more work being needed to address longstanding instances of racial bias on subjects like home appraisals and zoning policies.

Homelessness: Secretary Fudge emphasized the “urgency of the moment” and urged local leaders to take advantage of the $10 billion in federal funding dedicated to homelessness as well as other provisions included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill and COVID relief packages.

CLICK HERE for MWCOG’s meeting coverage, related resources, and information.