HUD secretary joins Senator Crapo in Boise
U. S. Sen. Mike Crapo and HUD Secretary Scott Turner convened at the Idaho State Capitol to discuss housing affordability issues affecting Idaho and the nation. Turner pointed out a critical need for 7 million affordable housing units across the country, emphasizing the importance of reducing regulatory burdens to make development more feasible.
He cited the repeal of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing provision as a step toward removing unnecessary regulations that hinder local control. Crapo has introduced several housing-related legislative measures, including the Housing Supply Expansion Act, aimed at improving access to affordable housing. His office's housing survey revealed that affordability challenges persist in both rural and urban areas, with renters facing high costs and homeowners feeling constrained by low mortgage rates. Turner acknowledged Idaho's innovative use of public-private partnerships to address affordable housing needs. He expressed a commitment to examining HUD's effectiveness and ensuring taxpayer dollars are well spent.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to tackle the housing crisis, with implications for policy changes at both state and federal levels.