Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is sworn-in during a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has welcomed its new Secretary, Scott Turner, following his confirmation by the Senate. With a strong background in housing development, community revitalization, and public service, Secretary Turner brings a wealth of experience, and a vision focused on affordability, regulatory reform, and collaboration.

A National Focus on Housing Affordability

As housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue across the nation, Secretary Turner is expected to prioritize policies that support housing production and streamline regulatory barriers. Governors from 30 states have recently emphasized the need for increased affordability, workforce housing, and regulatory reform in their state addresses. From Georgia to Washington, state leaders are looking for federal partnerships to help ease housing shortages and create more sustainable communities.

Turner’s tenure at HUD presents an opportunity for stronger federal-state collaboration, particularly with state housing finance agencies (HFAs), which play a key role in administering HUD programs. These agencies will be instrumental in advancing policies that align with Turner’s goals, such as increasing affordable housing supply, expediting development processes, and ensuring communities have the resources they need to thrive.

Priorities for Secretary Turner

Scott Turner, now HUD Secretary, speaks at a listening session with African-American leaders on May 21, 2020, in Ypsilanti, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

As HUD Secretary, Turner will oversee a broad portfolio, including Community Planning and Development, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and the Public and Indian Housing divisions. His leadership will be critical in addressing some of the industry’s most pressing challenges:

• Reducing Regulatory Barriers – Simplifying processes to facilitate housing development and            preservation   while maintaining affordability.
• Enhancing Rental Assistance Programs – Ensuring timely funding and support for key HUD                  programs like Project-Based Section 8 housing.
• Addressing Operational Challenges – Tackling rising insurance costs, outdated IT systems,                               and misalignment between rents and expenses.
• Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships – Encouraging collaboration between government               agencies, private developers, and community organizations to drive housing solutions.

Upon his confirmation, Secretary Turner stated, “Ensuring safe, affordable housing for all Americans is not just a policy goal—it is a necessity. I look forward to working with state and local leaders to break down barriers and   create real solutions for communities in need.”

What This Means for Housing and Development Software (HDS) Clients

For HDS Clients, Secretary Turner’s leadership signals a renewed focus on streamlining regulatory processes and advancing technology-driven solutions in affordable housing. With his commitment to reducing barriers and increasing housing supply, HDS clients can expect continued support for scalable, efficient, and compliant software solutions that align with evolving HUD policies. HDS remains dedicated to providing innovative tools that empower agencies to manage multifamily and single-family programs with precision and ease.

Looking Ahead

Secretary Turner’s leadership marks a new chapter for HUD, one that could bring meaningful improvements to housing policy and affordability across the country. As we move forward, collaboration among federal, state, and local stakeholders will be essential in driving sustainable housing solutions that benefit communities nationwide.

Stay connected with HDS Companies for the latest updates on housing policy, regulatory changes, and innovative solutions in the housing and development sector.