When Scott Turner became President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, he pledged to cut red tape, help the US ditch antiquated building codes and form partnerships with private companies to kick-start a building boom. When we sat down with him in July, Turner said he was taking HUD “from mediocre to excellent” — starting with the agency's move from its aging headquarters to a newer building currently occupied by the National Science Foundation.

But in the months since Turner was sworn in, the agency has lost nearly 30% of its staff, and Turner has backed Trump’s proposal to slash its budget by nearly half. (Congress’s counter-proposals are more generous.) Turner has also signaled he wants to make major changes to the way it distributes rental aid. 

Housing advocates and current and former HUD staffers say uncertainty and understaffing, along with shifting policy priorities, have especially impacted the agency’s fair housing enforcement – and could shake the foundations of the country’s affordable housing ecosystem. For Businessweek, Kriston Capps and I track Turner’s path to the White House, and unpack his vision for HUD. Read more today: Trump’s Housing Chief Wants to Build, But With What?

— Sarah Holder

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