The resignation of Marcia Fudge, the esteemed 18th Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was officially announced by the department on Monday. Her departure is scheduled for March 22. Adrianne Todman, who currently holds the position of Deputy Secretary and is a seasoned HUD professional, has been appointed as the Acting Secretary.
In an emotional revelation, Fudge shared her bittersweet feelings about leaving her position.
During a conversation with USA Today, she expressed enthusiasm for her upcoming return to private life, capping off a commendable 50-year journey in public service.
In the statement released by HUD regarding her resignation, Fudge reflected on her long-standing commitment to public service.
"Throughout my nearly five decades of public service, my focus has been on enhancing the lives of Americans, especially those in dire need," Fudge articulated. "From my early days as a mayor, to serving as a congressional staffer and member of Congress, and finally as the Secretary of HUD, I have relentlessly pursued our nation's promise of freedom and justice for everyone."
Fudge has always seen her role and that of HUD's as serving those who are most often overlooked and neglected, asserting that these individuals have been the driving force behind her and the department's achievements.
"Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I declare my resignation effective March 22, 2024."
During her term, Fudge highlighted several key achievements, including aiding two million families in maintaining their housing or avoiding foreclosure, incorporating positive rental history into credit assessments, and lowering mortgage insurance premiums.
"I am grateful to President Biden for entrusting me with the leadership of HUD, in line with the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration," she stated. "As I make this transition back to civilian life, I remain committed to the causes I've championed."
President Biden, in a statement from the White House, expressed his gratitude for Fudge's transformative leadership, noting the strides made under her guidance to reduce housing costs and boost housing supply.
“Marcia Fudge’s visionary leadership has been pivotal in our efforts to mitigate housing expenses and expand housing availability," Biden remarked. “Her tenure has been instrumental in assisting first-time homeowners and reducing rental costs, contributing to the highest level of housing construction in the past five decades.”
Sandra Thompson, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), also praised Fudge's advocacy for accessible, fair, and sustainable housing for all citizens.
In her discussion with USA Today, Fudge emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in HUD initiatives, such as constructing more affordable housing and renovating dilapidated public housing projects. She expressed a hope for Congress to allocate permanent funding to aid communities in recovering from natural disasters.
"We are making progressive, albeit gradual, changes; however, the need for more significant and swift actions is critical," Fudge conveyed to USA Today. "We are maximizing the utility of our current resources to the fullest."
Fudge's confirmation as HUD secretary came after a distinguished 12-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 11th Congressional District, covering parts of Cleveland and Akron.
Before her congressional service, Fudge was a law graduate from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland–Marshall College of Law. Her political career began in 2000 with her election as mayor of the Cleveland suburb, Warrensville Heights, marking her as the city's first female and first African-American mayor.
She succeeded former Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones as chief of staff, following Tubbs Jones' sudden passing from a brain aneurysm in 2008, and won the election to fill her seat that November.
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