Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is pushing back against a move by the Trump administration that could make the landscape of affordable housing even less equitable. As reported by the Arizona Attorney General's Office, Mayes has joined forces with representatives from 20 other states, voicing opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that would scale back safeguards against discriminatory marketing practices in affordable housing. "Affordable housing is a top concern for Arizonans and it's ridiculous that the Trump administration is considering a rule that would make it harder, and more unfair, to access affordable housing," said Attorney General Mayes.
Under the current guidelines, which are at risk of being overturned, owners of federally assisted housing must actively market to communities that have historically been left in the dark regarding housing opportunities. These Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHM) regulations help to ensure that providers of such housing do not solely target particular groups, a practice that has in the past contributed to segregating neighborhoods. Overturning these rules could mean a step backward in the long struggle against systemic inequalities in America’s housing system.
The stakes are particularly high for communities of color, who have disproportionately borne the brunt of housing unaffordability and discriminatory practices. The proposed repeal by HUD, as Attorney General Mayes stated, goes against the very ethos of the Fair Housing Act, which demands proactive measures to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, have fair access to housing. The regulations do not specify which tenants should be chosen but rather ensure a fair chance for everyone.
In this national push for housing justice, Mayes is joined by attorneys general from California, Maryland, New York, and several other states. Together, they highlight the concerning trend: In 2023, a record number of fair housing complaints were lodged, signaling that discriminatory practices are far from being eradicated. As detailed in the letter sent by the coalition of attorneys general, no sufficient evidence or justification has been provided for HUD's radical shift in policy — a policy that is designed to promote integration and equality in the housing sector.
Advocates and officials like AG Mayes continue to fight for regulations that serve to build inclusive communities where all residents, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, may have a chance at upward mobility, drawing us closer to the ideal of fairness and equity that the Fair Housing Act envisions.
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