Title
Responding to U.S Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner's ill-informed understanding of public housing development and call for deregulation by reinforcing the importance of the continued preservation of local control over housing development decisions to ensure development aligns with the needs and desires of our communities, and calling on Turner to preserve the Choice Neighborhood Initiatives program which enables PHA to preserve and expand its affordable housing stock.
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WHEREAS, On Thursday, March 27th, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner visited Philadelphia and advocated for the reduction of local regulations related to the housing development process, suggesting that such measures would lead to increased housing supply and address the affordability crisis; and
WHEREAS, Secretary Turner's uninformed call for deregulation ignores the critical role that local governments play in ensuring that development projects meet the unique needs, values, and concerns of residents and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Local elected officials are accountable to their constituents and are best positioned to understand the specific housing needs, challenges, and opportunities in their communities, a reality that holds true not only in Philadelphia but in many urban cities across the nation, where diverse populations and unique local dynamics shape housing policies and priorities; and
WHEREAS, The process of housing development must not only focus on increasing supply but also take into consideration the preservation of neighborhood identity, the protection of affordable housing options, the prevention of displacement, and the impact of development on local infrastructure and services. The regulatory processes that are put in place are vital in ensuring that the voices of neighborhood residents are heard and respected in the development process, and that community input and engagement remain integral compo...
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