Groups called on the HUD to reverse its decision and move ahead with implementation instead
A group of 76 national civil rights, faith-based, affordable housing, and other organizations have issued a statement opposing what it calls an effective suspension by the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulation.
The statement follows the extension by the HUD of the deadline for submission of an Assessment of Fair Housing by participating local governments to their next submission date that falls after Oct. 31, 2020. Regulations provided for a staggered submission deadline for these assessments.
The group called on the HUD to reverse its decision and withdraw the extension. Additionally, the group called on Congress to provide policy and budgetary oversight of HUD to ensure it is delivering on the promise of fair and equitable housing.
According to the statement, HUD’s decision to effectively suspend the regulation leave local jurisdictions confused, gives residents less voice in decisions about their communities, and reinstates a fair housing approach that had been described by the Government Accountability Office as ineffective and poorly administered.
“HUD’s effective suspension of the rule does nothing to help local governments fulfill their fair housing responsibilities to create equitable, healthy communities and provide access to housing without discrimination,” PolicyLink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell said. “It is the wrong move, particularly at a time when housing needs are so severe and housing and community development resources are so scarce. And by taking this step, HUD is abrogating its duty to carry out the mission Congress assigned it 50 years ago.”
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The statement follows the extension by the HUD of the deadline for submission of an Assessment of Fair Housing by participating local governments to their next submission date that falls after Oct. 31, 2020. Regulations provided for a staggered submission deadline for these assessments.
The group called on the HUD to reverse its decision and withdraw the extension. Additionally, the group called on Congress to provide policy and budgetary oversight of HUD to ensure it is delivering on the promise of fair and equitable housing.
According to the statement, HUD’s decision to effectively suspend the regulation leave local jurisdictions confused, gives residents less voice in decisions about their communities, and reinstates a fair housing approach that had been described by the Government Accountability Office as ineffective and poorly administered.
“HUD’s effective suspension of the rule does nothing to help local governments fulfill their fair housing responsibilities to create equitable, healthy communities and provide access to housing without discrimination,” PolicyLink CEO Angela Glover Blackwell said. “It is the wrong move, particularly at a time when housing needs are so severe and housing and community development resources are so scarce. And by taking this step, HUD is abrogating its duty to carry out the mission Congress assigned it 50 years ago.”
Related stories:
HUD set to delay fair housing rule
HUD appoints head of fair housing efforts
