Marcia Fudge, in a move reflecting a lifetime devoted to public service, has chosen to resign from her role at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
USA Today reported that the Secretary's departure signifies the end of an era, as she retires to focus on her personal life, after nearly five decades of unwavering commitment to public roles including a significant tenure at HUD.
Marcia Fudge, appointed as the Housing and Urban Development Secretary under President Joe Biden, announced her decision to step down effective March 22. Fudge's career in public service spans an impressive duration, including more than ten years serving in Congress before her role at HUD. Significantly, she cited the desire to retire and spend more quality time with her family, including her 93-year-old mother, as the primary reason for her departure.
During her three-year tenure as a Cabinet secretary, Marcia Fudge played a pivotal role in leading HUD through the immediate housing crises that unfolded in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership came at a critical time when the nation faced unprecedented challenges in housing, reminding us of the resilience and dedication required to serve in such a capacity.
Fudge is recognized as the second Black woman to helm HUD, a testament to her trailblazing career and the diversity she brought to the Biden administration. President Biden lauded her as a vital proponent for enhancing efforts towards building generational wealth for all Americans, highlighting her steadfast commitment to promoting equity, especially among renters.
The accomplishments under her leadership are notable, with HUD witnessing the construction of more housing units than at any time in the last half-century. This achievement underscores the impact of her leadership, especially in a period marked by significant challenges toward accessible housing for all Americans.
Despite these accomplishments, Fudge has been vocal about her concerns, notably the insufficient funding allocated for housing needs. She pointed out the glaring inadequacy of over $70 billion required to meet these crucial needs, reflecting her advocacy for increased support and the hope for Congress to back permanent funding solutions for community aid post-disasters.
Among her many efforts, Fudge worked tirelessly to address the affordable housing crisis, seeking solutions for homelessness and promoting economic development across different communities. Her approach included fostering public and private partnerships, aiming to create synergies that would lead to more sustainable housing solutions.
Noteworthy is Fudge's accomplishment in closing the “Road Home” program in Louisiana, a crucial initiative that provided support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Her dedication to ending this 17-year-long program showcased her commitment to resolving long-standing housing issues, emphasizing her goal to ensure no American is left behind.
In another significant move, HUD under her direction managed to allocate 120,000 new vouchers for temporary housing, particularly for homeless individuals — marking the largest allocation in over two decades. Furthermore, a significant proportion of HUD’s procurement funds were directed toward supporting Black, brown, and small disadvantaged business owners, demonstrating Fudge’s commitment to diversity and equity.
Fudge has been clear about her decision being primarily a personal one, driven by her commitment to her family. Her impactful tenure at HUD was shaped both by her values and a deep sense of responsibility toward enhancing the living conditions for many Americans. "It's time to go home," she told USA TODAY, signaling a well-deserved return to personal life after decades of public service.
Her stance on never seeking public office or appointments in the future reinforces her decision to retire as a moment of personal reflection and fulfillment. "Don't look for me to ever be on another ballot," Fudge remarked, emphasizing her decision to step away from her storied career in public service.
This move comes as part of a broader trend of Cabinet members stepping down from the Biden administration over the years, including Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Eric Lander of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Each departure signifies a moment of transition for the administration, with Fudge’s exit marking the end of a significant chapter in HUD’s history.
As Fudge prepares for her departure, the reflections on her tenure are overwhelmingly positive. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and dedication to the cause of affordable housing and social justice. Her efforts have not only shaped HUD’s trajectory over the past three years but also laid a foundation for future endeavors to tackle housing challenges.
Representatives and colleagues, including Maxine Waters and James Clyburn, have praised Fudge’s contributions, highlighting the immense impact of her work. Her understanding of housing as an “American issue” and dedication to the people she served — “my people,” as she called them — resonated throughout her career.
Her belief that no one in the richest country in the world should be without a home speaks volumes about her vision and the principles that guided her public service career. Fudge’s tenure at HUD, marked by significant achievements and a relentless drive for better housing for all, will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future leaders.
In conclusion, Marcia Fudge's resignation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development marks the end of a notable chapter in her distinguished career in public service. Her decision to retire and return to Ohio reflects a personal calling to focus on her family after nearly five decades of dedicated service. Throughout her tenure, Fudge has been instrumental in addressing critical housing challenges, from overseeing the construction of more housing units than at any point in the last 50 years to advocating for increased funding for housing needs. Her legacy, underscored by a commitment to affordable housing, addressing homelessness, and boosting economic development, leaves a lasting impact on HUD and the communities it serves. As Fudge steps away from her role, her contributions will continue to inspire those committed to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Americans.