NAR Coalition Backs Proposed Fair Housing Rule
In Jan., HUD proposed rules to help local governments reverse segregated housing patterns. NAR and four other groups announced that they support the update.
WASHINGTON – A coalition of housing groups united during April’s Fair Housing Month in support of a Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) proposal to update the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule.
If it becomes official, the rule would help HUD provide guidance and tools to cities and states that receive HUD funding to help them find local solutions to reverse segregated housing patterns. HUD announced the proposal in January. (Also see: HUD Proposes New ‘Affirmative’ Fair-Housing Rule)
The Fair Housing Act directs HUD and HUD’s funding recipients to take actions that can help overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination. It improves HUD’s 2015 AFFH rule by providing stronger community engagement, streamlining processes for funding recipients and creating greater transparency.
The proposed rule also places a new emphasis on expanding homeownership opportunities.
“NAR advocates tirelessly for policies that help close homeownership gaps and increase access to affordable homeownership for every American,” say Kenny Parcell, 2023 NAR president. “Realtors are champions for diverse, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. By prioritizing robust community engagement, HUD can support communities as they find local solutions to local fair housing issues.”
Coalition members supporting the AFFH rule update
- The National Association of Realtors
- The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
- The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)
- The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)
- The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance (the Alliance)
“The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule is a critical tool for addressing the segregated neighborhoods that continue to exist, despite the enactment of the Fair Housing Act 55 years ago,” says Lydia Pope, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).
“This rule can ensure that state and local jurisdictions that receive federal housing funds incorporate fair housing policies in their communities,” she adds. “It provides a much-needed government push to address segregated housing patterns and promote diverse communities. The federal government needs this leverage to pursue more equitable communities and help close the racial wealth gap.”
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