On February 16, Senators Murray, Warren, Gillibrand, Smith and Schumer sent a letter to Secretary Turner regarding the hundreds of HUD probationary staff who were terminated this past Friday and plans to cut the agency’s workforce by 50 percent (or nearly 4,300 staff). Initial reports indicate no program office would be spared, with staffing cuts ranging from ten to 84 percent.
In the letter, they cited concerns about the ability to implement HUD programs with severe staffing cuts. They noted the counterproductive nature of promises made by Secretary Turner during his confirmation hearing and to HUD staff on February 6 and President Trump’s executive order signed on his first day in office to “lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply.”
What’s next? The Senators urged Secretary Turner to stop any additional cuts to HUD’s workforce and asked for a response to ten questions by Friday, February 21. These questions focus on transparency, accountability and the operational and financial implications of these employment decisions. NH&RA is following this evolving situation and will continue to share information as we learn more.
