The U.S. Senate on February 5 confirmed Scott Turner to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Secretary Turner, a former NFL player, had previously served at the White House during President Trump’s first term. The Senate voted 55-44 to confirm the HUD Secretary, with just two Democrats voting in favor of the confirmation. Democrats raised questions during the confirmation process because Secretary Turner’s FBI background had not been completed.
Once sworn in, the Secretary will take the helm at HUD, which has a $70 billion budget and nearly 8,000 employees. During his confirmation hearing in January, Secretary Turner highlighted the need for more housing and emphasized reductions in regulations. Secretary Turner has also spoken publicly about leveraging tax code-based tools like Opportunity Zones to invest in housing, as opposed to more direct public subsidy, which LeadingAge members rely on.
LeadingAge priorities for HUD in 2025 include expanding and preserving the Section 202 program, HUD’s flagship senior housing program, improving rental assistance programs for older adults, and increasing Service Coordination programs throughout affordable senior housing.