HUD Secretary Scott Turner Trumpets Homeownership, Rejects Program for Black Homeowners

September 17, 2025

At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase, Secretary Scott Turner emphasized his commitment to making homeownership accessible to all Americans but declined to establish specific programs for African Americans despite the significant homeownership gap between Black Americans (43. 9%) and non-Hispanic whites (74%). Turner indicated his administration will focus on reducing regulations to encourage housing development across demographics, highlighting the showcase theme "The American Home is the American Dream.

Who is affected

African Americans who face a significantly lower homeownership rate (43.9%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (74%)
All Americans seeking homeownership
Homeless and low-income individuals
Housing developers and construction companies
Multigenerational families living in public housing

What action is being taken

HUD is hosting the 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase on the National Mall
Secretary Turner is working to reduce "burdensome regulations" to encourage housing development
Senator Tim Scott and colleagues are advancing "The ROAD To Housing Act 2025," a bipartisan bill to expand housing supply and accessibility
Companies like Aevolve Green Solutions are developing environmentally sensitive housing using innovative materials for homeless and low-income individuals

Why it matters

There is a nationwide housing shortage of approximately 7 million units
The median home price has risen to $450,000, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable
A significant racial disparity exists in homeownership rates (43.9% for Black Americans vs. 74% for non-Hispanic whites)
Homeownership is viewed by HUD leadership as a path to independence from government assistance
Some families have lived in public housing for three generations, indicating a cycle that HUD aims to break

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer