Yesterday the Trump Administration submitted its proposed fiscal year 2018 federal budget to Congress. Although any administration’s budget is but a request (as it is Congress that actually sets federal spending levels), included in the document is a proposed 13% cut in funding for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). If enacted as presented, HUD’s budget would decrease from $47 billion (in fiscal 2017) to just under $41 billion (in fiscal 2018). In its proposed budget, the administration asserts that “state and local government are better positioned to serve their communities based on local needs and priorities.”

Specific line item cuts include: the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the Choice Neighborhoods Program, and the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program. Housing advocates are already arguing that reductions of this magnitude will put a significant strain on the nation’s housing authorities and others who rely on federal funding for their housing.

I have not seen specific cuts directed at fair housing enforcement or fair housing priorities, but we are still early in the process.  So, does this mean management can stop complying with the Fair Housing Act (FHA)? No. Even if the government is less active, it is a fair bet that local housing advocacy groups (who are typically funded, at least in part, with HUD money) will continue to file cases in an effort to take up the slack and demonstrate the need for continued fair housing needs.

Just A Thought.