In a bold move to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in the United States, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have launched an innovative initiative aimed at repurposing underused federal lands for low-income housing. This initiative, aptly named the Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing, was announced on March 17, 2025, and seeks to address the staggering shortage of approximately 7 million affordable homes across the nation.
Turner emphasized the mission’s goal of "unlocking federal lands for the benefit of all Americans." The partnership between HUD and the Department of the Interior will focus on assessing housing needs in areas where federal lands are available yet underutilized. The plan includes implementing tailored housing programs with guidance from state and local authorities, ensuring that the strategies align with community needs.
In a recent op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal titled "Federal Lands Can Be Home Sweet Home," Turner and Burgum elaborated on their vision. They pointed out that the federal government oversees more than 500 million acres of land, which presents a unique opportunity to alleviate the housing crisis. "America needs more affordable housing, and the federal government can make it happen by making federal land available to build affordable housing stock," they stated. The initiative will prioritize locations that can support housing development while carefully considering environmental impacts and land-use regulations.
According to the Library of Congress, the federal government owns over a quarter of the 2.27 billion acres of land in the U.S., amounting to about 640 million acres. This vast land ownership is managed by several federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. Interestingly, Alaska holds the record for the highest concentration of federally owned land, with over 60% of its territory under federal jurisdiction.
Turner, who was confirmed as HUD secretary in February, has a rich background that includes serving as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during the Trump administration. His experiences as a former NFL player and associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas have shaped his perspective on community service and leadership.
At a recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Turner shared his belief that he is called by God to make a "generational impact" on housing affordability. He poignantly noted the struggles faced by young Americans, including his own 24-year-old son, who feels that homeownership is out of reach. "I challenge you to view this not merely as a crisis but as an opportunity to uplift individuals and families," he urged, encouraging a shift towards self-sufficiency and sustainability.
As this initiative unfolds, it represents a significant step towards addressing the housing affordability crisis in America. By leveraging federal lands, the government aims to create safe, quality, and affordable housing solutions that can change lives and strengthen communities. The collaboration between HUD and the Department of the Interior may very well pave the way for a brighter future for countless families across the nation, illustrating how faith, leadership, and innovative thinking can come together to address societal challenges.