Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Regulation Blocked By House

The federal government is working toward passing the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, or AFFH, regulation. The proposed regulation would force localities to take additional steps toward integrating segregated neighborhoods while also bringing more affordable housing opportunities to wealthy areas of the country. Those localities that fail to implement these steps will no longer be eligible to receive community development block grants or other types of federally-backed housing-related grants. The hot button topic is expected to be a key area of debate in next year’s presidential election.

Integrating Neighborhoods Through the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Regulation

Proposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2013, the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation would require states to utilize data regarding race and poverty as well as access to education and employment when making decisions regarding housing. HUD would then review this information to ensure the policies developed by various localities are promoting equal opportunity.

The proposed regulation, which was initially proposed by HUD on July 19, 2013, was included as an amendment to the legislation funding HUD. Earlier this month, the regulation was blocked by a House vote of 229-193. The proposed legislation has created a great deal of controversy, with supporters maintaining that it will help to diversify neighborhoods while providing greater opportunities to the disadvantaged. Detractors, on the other hand, believe the legislation is putting too much control in the hands of the federal government and does not allow local communities to make decisions that are best for their residents and unique attributes.

Established as a Cabinet department in the Executive branch of the federal government in 1965, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development was initially formed to develop and execute policies related to housing and metropolises. Today, the cabinet oversees the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Federal Housing Administration. It also oversees several offices, including the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

The mission of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is to put an end to housing discrimination while also promoting economic opportunity and creating diverse, inclusive communities. This goal is achieved with the help of federal fair housing policies and laws. Among the most well-known of these laws are those that protect individuals from discrimination based on color, disability, familial status, national origin, race, religion or sex. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation is part of the Fair Housing Act monitored and enforced by the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

As the cabinet that also oversees the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, many individuals who are interested in purchasing a home may find themselves also obtaining a loan that is backed by the FHA. Typically referred to as simply an FHA loan, these loans are provided by traditional lenders who are insured through the FHA. FHA loans help make it possible for individuals with a lower credit rating or a smaller down payment to obtain a loan for purchasing a home.

To learn more about different loans available to you as a home buyer or about Arlington homes, contact our team of knowledgeable real estate professionals today.

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