The Washington Report

On Friday, February 28, 2025, private fair housing organizations reported that the administration had terminated at least $12 million in grants awarded for local fair housing education, outreach, and enforcement. Local fair housing centers, funded by HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives (FHIP) grant program, are often the first line of contact for people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination. In 2023 FHIPs fielded upwards of 25,000 reports, according to the National Fair Housing Alliance. Termination letters sent to grantees said the cancellations were at the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. 

HUD’s union and the media have reported that DOGE has proposed cutting staff at HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) by 76%. HUD has not yet formally issued a Reduction in Force (RIF) plan for FHEO, but a RIF plan is reported to be under review. HUD has already issued a RIF for its field office staff. The union has told the media that DOGE has proposed cutting 50% of HUD's overall staff and closing the majority of the agency's field offices nationwide.

As efforts continue to reduce the size of government, NAR is engaging with administration officials, lawmakers, and housing industry partners to minimize disruptions and potential adverse impacts on the housing industry.