Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary Amid Broad Policy Shifts

Scott Turner, known for his diverse background including a stint as a professional football player and service as a Texas state representative, was confirmed as the housing secretary with a vote tally of 55-44. His confirmation places him at the helm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an agency primarily responsible for enforcing federal housing laws and directing funds to assist lower-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, as well as spearheading community development and homelessness initiatives.

Turner’s role is especially significant given current domestic priorities; with many Americans concerned about the rising cost of living, his leadership comes at a crucial time. The department will be key in addressing issues from high housing costs and urban economic development to reducing homelessness, particularly among veterans. Notably, Turner is the second professional football player to head HUD, following in the footsteps of former Representative Jack Kemp.

During his confirmation hearing, Turner emphasized the national need for a diverse range of homes, stating that the country is facing a severe housing shortage for individuals and families. His remarks highlighted the urgency to build millions of houses across different categories to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.

In his previous role as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Turner helped administer the opportunity zone program—a policy initiative designed to attract private investment into disadvantaged urban areas by offering tax deferrals on gains invested in low-income neighborhoods. This program, originally supported by Senator Tim Scott and integrated into the 2017 tax cuts, has already attracted billions of dollars in private investments, contributing to the revitalization of several communities.

As he steps into his new role, Turner expressed a commitment to expanding these efforts, drawing from his firsthand experience and the positive outcomes already seen from the opportunity zone initiatives. His appointment has been met with endorsements from lawmakers who credited his previous work with driving significant economic investments into struggling communities, marking him as a figure ready to tackle the nation’s housing challenges from multiple angles.