Who: Scott Turner
Nominated for: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Background: Turner previously led a council focused on promoting investment and economic development in distressed communities. He has also made a name for himself as a former NFL player and a Texas State Representative.
- Turner held a position at a policy institute emphasizing education.
- He served as the chief visionary officer at a multifamily housing development company.
- Turner co-founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities.
- He has experience as an associate pastor at a Texas church.
Role Overview: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for managing rental assistance for millions, supporting homeownership for low and moderate-income families, developing affordable housing, and enforcing fair housing laws.
Turner’s Personal Connection to HUD
During a Senate Committee hearing, Turner shared his personal story of growing up in Texas and facing challenges similar to those that HUD addresses. He highlighted the significance of HUD’s mission, emphasizing that his experiences have made the issue of housing deeply personal to him.
Turner expressed concern about the growing housing crisis, citing record high homelessness numbers reported by HUD. “HUD is failing at its most basic mission, and that has to come to an end,” he stated.
Turner acknowledged he would review existing HUD programs to identify those that work effectively, aiming to streamline operations for greater efficiency.
Addressing Housing Affordability Concerns
In response to senators’ concerns about housing affordability, Turner noted that his own son grapples with the challenge of homeownership. Despite calls for increased federal investment, Turner asserted that current funding levels are adequate. He emphasized a need to enhance the efficiency of existing programs, particularly the Section 8 voucher program.
He also pointed out that excessive regulations are hindering the construction of housing, proposing collaboration with states to reduce bureaucratic obstacles. While acknowledging the impact of rising construction material costs, he refrained from commenting on the administration’s tariff policies.
Budget Cuts and Their Implications
Turner faced questions about past proposals to cut HUD’s budget during previous administrations. While he did not commit to opposing specific cuts, he expressed dedication to demonstrating the success of HUD programs to policymakers.
Corporate Landlords and Homelessness Policy
Turner did not take a stance against the increasing role of corporate investors in real estate, suggesting that private sector involvement can be beneficial. He confirmed support for federal homelessness policies that prioritize placing individuals in housing before addressing issues like substance abuse or mental health, which he described as essential services.
