HUD Revisits Fair Housing Act
Fifty-five years after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was signed, many communities in the U.S. continue to suffer from discrimination, segregation, and disinvestment. These inequities are being addressed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which recently published a proposed rule in the Federal Register in a rigorous attempt to fulfill the promise of the 1968 law.
The proposed rule directs the government to promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in housing, and foster inclusive communities. It also addresses greater accountability, streamlines the process of fair housing analysis, and requires local communities, states, and public housing agencies to set ambitious goals to address fair housing issues in their communities. The rule, published in February 2023, incorporates much of the framework from a similar 2015 rule, which was in effect for a short time before the previous Administration dismantled it.
HUD’s proposed rule is a landmark moment and takes a significant step in addressing discriminatory housing policies and practices. It spurs HUD program participants to take action to ensure that members of protected classes have equitable access to affordable housing opportunities— a crucial lifeline for underserved communities that have long been denied equal access to housing. If you’d like to comment on the current rule, HUD wants to hear from you. Anyone can submit views, comments, and recommendations for improving the proposal at www.regulations.gov.