P
resident Donald Trump announced on December 17 that he will unveil a major housing reform agenda in 2026, though he offered no specifics or timetable. The remarks came amid his discussion of a new Federal Reserve chair and a claim that a “colossal border invasion” under the previous administration had driven up housing costs.

    On the Fed side, the central bank on December 11 re‑appointed 11 of its 12 regional bank presidents to five‑year terms beginning March 1. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic will step down after his term ends in February. The reappointments aim to provide continuity as the Fed prepares to name a new chair in May, with former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and Fed Governor Christopher Waller all mentioned as potential candidates.

    In Washington, the Senate confirmed a slate of new HUD leaders. Frank Cassidy was named assistant secretary for housing and federal housing commissioner; Joseph Gormley became president of Ginnie Mae; Benjamin Hobbs was appointed assistant secretary for public and Indian housing; Ronald Kurtz took the assistant secretary role for community planning and development; Craig Trainor was confirmed as assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity; Benjamin DeMarzo became assistant secretary for congressional and intergovernmental relations; and David Woll was named general counsel. HUD Secretary Scott Turner praised the nominees for their track record in advancing housing affordability.

    HUD also launched an investigation into Boston’s housing practices, alleging that the city has adopted discriminatory policies that violate the Fair Housing Act. The city’s mayor and the governor of Massachusetts have denied the claims, which HUD attributes to a “social engineering” effort driven by an ideological commitment to DEI rather than merit.

    Meanwhile, Congress introduced the Housing for the 21st Century Act after the ROAD to Housing Act was removed from the National Defense Authorization Act. The bipartisan bill seeks to streamline housing development, modernize outdated programs, eliminate regulatory barriers, and grant localities greater flexibility. The House Committee on Financial Services advanced the legislation on December 17.