Adrianne Todman, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hud.gov/leadership#sec
DETROIT – Last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Terner Labs collaborated in Detroit, Michigan, to host an event focusing on advancing affordable housing initiatives. The event brought together various leaders, experts, and technologists for the Housing & Technology Symposium series.
Solomon Greene, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at HUD, highlighted the innovative approach being taken, stating, "These are a first-of-its-kind innovations that leverage both HUD funding and modular housing construction to create high-quality affordable housing that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and well-integrated into the surrounding neighborhood." Greene also emphasized the impact of these innovations on communities, mentioning, "It leverages so many innovations all at once – including Minneapolis first-in-the-nation comprehensive zoning reforms – to better serve communities."
The partnership between HUD and Terner Labs, initiated in 2023, is in alignment with the Biden-Harris administration's focus on investing in innovative construction techniques to boost affordable housing supply. Diane Shelley, the HUD Great Lakes Regional Administrator, reiterated HUD's commitment to expanding housing and community development, ensuring quality, affordable homes for all individuals and families. Shelley stated, "HUD is deeply committed to creating equitable, inclusive communities."
The event in Detroit explored the use of technology to promote homeownership and wealth-building for BIPOC communities, particularly in the Midwest. Discussions and demonstrations focused on credit repair, policy tools, and insights into the homebuying process. Greene and Shelley emphasized the importance of encouraging investment in homeownership assistance.
In Minneapolis, HUD leaders visited innovative public housing initiatives, including the Family Housing Expansion Program (FHEP) sites that have added affordable family housing using modular construction techniques and solar roof arrays. These initiatives aim to increase housing accessibility in growing communities.
The "Road to Innovation" tours by HUD will culminate in Washington, DC, with the 2024 Innovative Housing Showcase, where leading homebuilders and designers will present cutting-edge approaches to address housing supply, construction costs, energy efficiency, and housing expenses.
