Understanding Scott Turner’s vision for HUD
The former NFL player and state representative will be tackling housing issues with a significantly smaller budget — and looking to the private sector for help.
In the four months since President Donald Trump took office for a second time, federal agencies have been dramatically reshaped — and housing-related programs are no exception.
When Scott Turner was confirmed as secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Feb. 5, he said HUD was "failing at its most basic mission," and within weeks, he announced major staffing, grant and program cuts.
So what is Turner's vision for a leaner and reorganized HUD? He spoke about his plans to an audience of real estate executives at the T3 Leadership Summit on May 19, and a look at his background and recent media statements also provides some insights.
Previous government work: Turner was the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council from 2019 to 2021, focusing on economically distressed areas. He also served as a state representative for the 33rd House District in Texas.
On HUD's mission: In a May 1 interview published in Decision, an evangelical magazine, Turner said "HUD's role is to serve the most vulnerable people in our country as it pertains to housing, housing assistance, helping people get back on their feet."
In order to combat homelessness, which he called "unacceptable," he said the government needs to do more work with private institutions that "have boots on the ground."
"The federal government is not the answer. The federal government is a great convener of sorts, a facilitator of sorts, but the private sector, the nonprofit and the faith-based institutions, that's where the real work is being done," Turner told Decision.
On reshaping HUD: Turner has promised sweeping cuts at HUD following the administration's mandate of eliminating what it sees as wasteful spending. Trump's proposed budget would eliminate $33.6 billion — about 44% — of HUD's funding, with rental assistance programs taking the biggest hit. The final numbers won't be known until Congress approves a budget package, however.
In a May 15 interview with Fox Business, Turner said he and his colleagues are "taking inventory of every program," and he expects that assessment will lead to significant changes in how HUD is administered.
"Our job is to maximize this budget and to make sure we're serving the most vulnerable people," Turner said.
In a separate interview with The Real Deal, Turner said he believes the cuts will allow HUD to "fulfill the mission to build more affordable housing, to eradicate homelessness."
On 'America's welfare programs': In a May 14 opinion piece in The New York Times, Turner joined three other cabinet members in arguing that able-bodied adults receiving benefits must work, participate in job training or volunteer in their communities at least 20 hours a week.
Asked to elaborate on Fox Business, Turner said "work restores dignity, work brings pride."
"We've created welfare as a lifestyle in our country. America is a country of opportunity. This will help us encourage… people to work," Turner told Fox Business. "At HUD, this is common sense compassion," he added.
Before politics, it was about football: Turner played nine seasons in the National Football League with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
Guided by religion: Christianity plays a large role in Turner's life, and he has served as an associate pastor and member of the Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.
When speaking at CPAC in February, Turner described his path to becoming HUD secretary, saying, "All along the way, I believe the Lord was preparing me."