U
.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner emphasized a "mission-minded focus" at the T3 Leadership Summit, promising to address the housing affordability crisis by easing regulations and cutting through red tape. Speaking to hundreds of real estate executives, Turner outlined his vision for HUD: clearing away bureaucracy that hinders homebuilding efforts and fostering public-private partnerships and community-level programs.

    Turner highlighted several initiatives aimed at stimulating home construction, including opening up underutilized federal lands for housing development and leveraging Opportunity Zones to revitalize economically distressed communities. He also expressed enthusiasm for returning decision-making power to cities and states by terminating the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, which he called a "massive power grab" by Washington bureaucrats.

    As HUD faces potential budget cuts of $33.6 billion, Turner stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating that his team is working to "get our fiscal house in order." He also emphasized the need for self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on government programs. Turner's dedication to HUD's core values was evident as he reiterated the agency's mission: expanding homeownership opportunities and ensuring access to quality, safe, and affordable housing for all Americans.