Statement from NAIHC Chair on the Confirmation Hearing of HUD Secretary Nominee Scott Turner

By Bobby Yandell By Board Chairman, NAIHC

Washington, DC — On January 16, 2025, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held the confirmation hearing of Mr. Scott Turner for the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) extends our gratitude to Senators Rounds (R-SD), Gallego (D-AZ), and Lummis (R-WY) for addressing the unique housing challenges faced by Native communities, the necessity of adequate funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, and the importance of Native-owned Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in their remarks. As Mr. Turner stated in his testimony, homeownership is the most significant investment most Americans will make in their lifetime. Providing families the opportunity to afford and achieve homeownership is critical to spurring economic development and mobility, particularly in communities suffering from historical neglect and disinvestment.

We are encouraged by Mr. Turner's commitments to streamline HUD programs and regulations and consult with tribal leaders on ways to improve efficiency and affordability. This approach aligns with our belief that effective and timely support is essential for addressing the unique housing challenges Native communities face. Too often, burdensome regulations prevent our housing authorities from accessing critical resources, eroding the self-determination and efficacy of tribal housing programs. We are optimistic that, with the proper focus, efforts to streamline HUD programs and regulations will increase accessibility to such programs for the 450+ American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) communities that NAIHC represents.

We urge Mr. Turner to prioritize the following if confirmed:

1. Support the continuation of the Secretary’s Tribal Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (TIAC) and engage with the Committee through in-person meetings. Continuing the Secretary's Tribal Inter-Agency Advisory Committee (TIAC) is vital for promoting effective collaboration between Tribal Nations and HUD. The opportunity to communicate directly with HUD leadership in this forum has already helped to break down barriers & foster positive change for Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs).

2.  Increase funding for tribal housing programs. It is essential to provide Native communities with sufficient and sustainable funding to tackle the severe housing shortages and substandard living conditions on reservations. Until recently, federal funding for tribal housing programs has remained relatively stagnant. The Fiscal Year 2024 funding levels for NAHASDA programs should serve as the new baseline for budget requests moving forward.

We are optimistic that Mr. Turner will fulfill his commitments to expand homeownership opportunities and affordable housing initiatives for all Americans. We look forward to collaborating with him and his team to ensure that the voices of AIANNH communities are heard and respected.

For more information on the recommendations above, please contact LindaLee Retka, Interim Executive Director, at lretka@naihc.net.