Background on Policy Forum, June 12, 2012
(Scroll down for Event Materials)
For many decades, HUD has largely focused its fair housing efforts on making sure that landlords and lenders don't discriminate against people based on race, religion, disability, or other individual characteristics. But HUD also has the responsibility to ensure its programs undo patterns of segregation and promote the type of real neighborhood and housing choice that leads to diverse, inclusive communities.
HUD is now working cooperatively with communities and regions around the country to integrate fair housing into community planning and promote sustainable regional development. HUD is also in the process of updating its regulations to support better outcomes by communities and public housing authorities through increased data, guidance, and accountability. The rules will ask:
· Does a region promote housing for low-income people and people of color where good jobs, schools, and other opportunities are available?
· Does a region promote development that will de-concentrate poverty and address racial segregation?
This forum provided useful context for community members and leaders, policy makers, advocates, local government staff, media, housing developers and the foundation community.
Anyone interested in creating healthy, vibrant regions where all can prosper, regardless of race, disability, and ethnicity, will find this forum relevant as we plan for the future.
Speakers Included:
| Chip Halbach, Executive Director, MHP | Introduction |
| Congressman Keith Ellison, Minnesota's 5th District Representative in the U.S. House | Congressional perspective on fair housing and equity |
| Janet Hostetler, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, HUD | HUD's new approach to fair housing |
| Gary Cunningham, Community Development Committee Chair, Metropolitan Council | Integrating the new fair housing approach into the Met Council's ThriveMSP regional plan |
| Myron Orfield, Executive Director of the Institute on Race & Poverty, U of MN, and Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution
Ann Steingraeber, Attorney, Housing Preservation Project, St. Paul James Wilkinson, Project Director, Housing Discrimination Law Project, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis |
Response Panel |
| Chip Halbach, MHP | Closing Remarks |
Materials from the June 12th Policy Forum:
Fair Housing In The 21st Century: Presentation by Janet Hostetler, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity, HUD
Steps Towards Fair Housing and Equity for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region: James Wilkinson, Project Director for Housing Discrimination Law Project, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis
Fair Housing and Equitable Development Resource List: James Wilkinson, Project Director for Housing Discrimination Law Project, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis
Hosted by Minnesota Housing Partnership with financial support by U.S. Bank.