Although it's unclear if the change is final, it's been widely reported that leadership at the U.S. Department of Housing and Development is pushing to remove wording about racial discrimination from the organization's mission statement.
"Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is changing the mission statement of his agency, removing promises of inclusive and discrimination-free communities," reports Amanda Terkel.
Terkel explains the circumstances surrounding the change, which was made known by a memo written by Amy Thompson, the department’s assistant secretary for public affairs. According to the memo, HUD's new mission statement reads as follows:
HUD’s mission is to ensure Americans have access to fair, affordable housing and opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, thereby strengthening our communities and nation.
For comparison, here's the old mission statement:
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.
"It’s not clear whether the new language is final," according to Terkel. "Thompson asked the political staff to send along any 'comments or suggestions.'" Terkel also reports on the political intrigue swirling around HUD and HUD Secretary Ben Carson. Planetizen noted the most recent damaging story about Carson's tenure at HUD earlier the same week that news of the memo was made public.
Writing for Brookings, Jenny Schuetz and Andre M. Perry follow up on the news with a blunt critique of the direction of HUD under Secretary Carson's leadership. According to Schuetz and Perry, the most recent news is "yet another worrying sign that the Trump administration is backing away from long-term goals of urban policy." Far from completing the mission of ending discrimination in housing and urban policy around the country, Schuetz and Perry make the case that the Trump Administration is abdicating its responsibilities.
In the U.S., opportunity, affordability, and self-sufficiency are inextricably linked to inclusion. Everyone succeeds when we act on the principle that we’re all in this together. Consumer protection and inclusion are the very goals we have not yet realized. Out of sight; out of mind isn’t particularly helpful in public policy. Our problems with inclusion won’t go away just because we no longer see it in the mission.
FULL STORY: Ben Carson Removes Anti-Discrimination Language From HUD Mission Statement
Outrage Over Trump's Fair Housing Victory Lap
President Trump took to Twitter today to celebrate his administration's decision to rescind the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, approved by the Obama administration to strengthen the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
Trump Administration Launches Long-Promised Challenge to Fair Housing Law
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development raises the burden of proof in cases of disparate impact, and provides additional defenses for defendants.
The New Supreme Court and the Future of Fair Housing
The retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy introduces the possibility that a future court will overturn the doctrine of disparate impact central to fair housing practices and policies.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)