NAHB Pushes Back Against Proposed HUD Budget Cuts

The National Association of Home Builders is pushing back against recent proposals to cut funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In a recent letter to HUD secretary Scott Turner, NAHB emphasized the vital role HUD’s rental assistance and housing development programs play in supporting housing access for low- and moderate-income Americans.

The letter follows President Trump’s proposal to slash over $33 billion from HUD’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year. In the letter, NAHB urged full funding for the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher programs. They also called for at least $1.5 billion to be allocated to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

“NAHB strongly opposes the $26.7 billion cut and block granting of HUD’s rental assistance programs — which include PBRA, the HCV program, and other housing program funds for the public, elderly and disabled,” the letter stated. “Likewise, NAHB strongly opposes defunding the HOME and Community Development Block Grant programs. These critical HUD programs are absolutely necessary to expand the supply and availability of affordable housing.”

NAHB stressed that if the administration’s cuts were to be adopted, they would have a devastating impact on new construction of affordable apartments and preservation of existing affordable units, as well as low-income renters.

“Uncertainty about the future of these programs is making lenders and investors hesitant to commit funds for constructing and preserving affordable housing,” the letter said.