Washington, DC – Today, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released for public comment a proposed regulation clarifying the duty of government funded entities to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. This highly anticipated rule provides guidance to over 1200 local governments, all states, and more than 4000 Housing Authorities and community development agencies who receive federal funds on their fair housing responsibilities under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act.
“NCRC is extremely pleased that HUD has issued this new regulation, which sets forth the process for state and local jurisdictions to address patterns of segregation and racial and ethnic concentrations of poverty in their jurisdictions,” said NCRC President and CEO John Taylor. “Today is a step forward for communities across the United States in dealing with the vestiges of segregation and ongoing housing discrimination.”
As the proposed HUD rule states, “The Fair Housing Act not only prohibits discrimination but, in conjunction with other statutes, directs HUD’s program participants to take steps proactively to overcome historic patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities for all.”
An initial review of the proposed rule reveals that HUD is:
1.) Refining its existing requirements to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.
2.) Providing cost effective & uniform datasets that examine and measure relationships between income, education, transportation, employment, environmental health and other quality of life factors that impact protected classes covered by the Fair Housing Act, as amended.
3.) Ensuring that states and localities engage all stakeholders in the planning process to promote neighborhood diversity and equal housing opportunity, and
4.) Seeking to enhance HUD’s review process of grantees, sub grantees and other entities funded by the government to ensure compliance with the Act.
“All of this is intended to promote more effective fair housing planning, improve the fair housing compliance of local, municipal and state government services and program activities, and to remove present and past barriers to housing choice for all. NCRC and our member organizations look forward to working with HUD and the communities and partners it funds to support inclusive communities through fair housing planning to ensure a vibrant future for all Americans,” said Taylor.
About the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC):
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is an association of more than 600 community-based organizations that promote access to basic banking services, including credit and savings, to create and sustain affordable housing, job development, and vibrant communities for America’s working families.
