The White House is currently hesitating to finalize a government policy that aims to reduce housing segregation due to concerns about potential conservative backlash. This policy is a redo of a fair housing rule that was rescinded by Donald Trump in 2020, who claimed it would “destroy” the suburbs, reflecting the white identity politics that characterized his presidency. President Joe Biden had ordered the Department of Housing and Urban Development to bring back the fair housing rule as a way to address racial segregation perpetuated by federal housing policies. The rule was first introduced in February of last year, but has yet to be finalized due to political concerns within the White House.
While a spokesperson for HUD denied any political holdup in the finalization of the rule, there are reports of internal delays within the White House regarding the policy. The rule is currently going through the interagency process, but there is frustration among officials who feel that the administration should fulfill its promise to address racial disparities in housing. Advocates argue that Black and brown communities have been waiting for too long for these changes to be implemented. Sara Pratt, who worked on the previous version of the rule at HUD, believes that the rule does not need any further revisions and should be ready to be published to provide guidance to local communities.
The pending regulation is based on the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which requires executive branch agencies to administer housing programs in a way that promotes fair housing. The rule would mandate recipients of federal housing grants to consult with local residents and groups to address inequities for protected populations, such as Black Americans and people with disabilities. These grants are used for various public developments, not just housing projects. The proposed rule aims to empower wider segments of the community by engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including advocates, clergy, community organizations, and fair housing groups.
Republicans have previously opposed similar versions of the fair housing rule, arguing that it would force states and localities to change zoning and land use laws to benefit marginalized communities. The Trump administration rescinded the rule in 2020, citing examples like Westchester County in New York, where federal funding was withheld due to inadequate affordable housing plans. Trump warned that the rule would lead to the destruction of suburbs as we know them. Despite these criticisms, advocates and officials assert that the fair housing rule is essential to address longstanding disparities in housing and should be finalized without further delays.
Overall, the delay in finalizing the fair housing rule highlights the political challenges associated with addressing housing segregation and racial disparities in the United States. While the Biden administration has made efforts to revive this rule as a step towards promoting fair housing practices, internal political considerations within the White House have stalled the progress. Advocates emphasize the importance of implementing the rule to address historical injustices and promote more equitable housing policies, especially for marginalized communities. As the rule continues to undergo the interagency process, it remains to be seen how and when it will be finalized and put into effect.
