Scott Turner serves as the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), having been confirmed by the Senate on February 5, 2025. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing national policies and programs related to housing and urban development.
Background and Career
- Professional Football: Before entering public service, Turner played nine seasons as a cornerback in the NFL with teams including the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
- Political Service: He served as a Texas state representative for the 33rd House District from 2013 to 2017. He also held the position of Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council from 2019 to 2021, focusing on promoting investments in economically distressed areas.
Recent Initiatives at HUD
- Policy Shift on Homelessness: Secretary Turner has directed HUD to halt enforcement of the 2016 rule titled “Equal Access in Accordance With an Individual’s Gender Identity in Community Planning and Development Programs,” ensuring that HUD-funded providers offer services based on an individual’s sex at birth.
- Approach to Housing Affordability: In a recent interview, Turner emphasized that housing is a bipartisan issue and expressed his commitment to addressing housing affordability challenges.
Public Perception and Challenges
Turner’s appointment has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters praise his focus on expanding housing supply and addressing shortages. However, critics express concern over policy shifts, particularly moving away from the “housing-first” approach to homelessness, which prioritizes stable housing before addressing other issues.
As HUD Secretary, Turner faces the complex task of balancing various housing strategies to effectively address the nation’s housing challenges.