The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hosted its first Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC) meeting, where tribal leaders from across the country discussed nation-to-nation relationships with tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, housing needs and challenges, and funding for tribal housing and community development programs.
“[This meeting] is a result of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to strengthening nation-to-nation relationships, especially during a critical time for tribal nations,” HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a release. “It is important that tribes help shape the policies and rules that impact their members and communities. HUD is fully committed to not just championing solutions on the federal level, but supporting our tribal leaders as they pursue their own efforts.”
Shortly after TIAC’s first meeting, Fudge testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and related agencies about HUD’s budget for fiscal year 2024.
During the hearing, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) criticized HUD’s programs related to building designs, stating tribal citizens have been refused modifications for modifications such as a pitched roof to accommodate high winds, or doors be placed in a particular cardinal direction as part of a cultural belief. Fractionalization, where the passing of property results in multiple owners for a single tract of land, also is a barrier for obtaining loans or to qualify for HUD’s programs and is common in tribal communities.
Fudge said the TIAC meeting was part of HUD’s plan to start addressing the housing problems experienced by tribal citizens.
“We need to make clear that their input is important,” Fudge told Zinke. “We have to recognize the sovereignty of tribal nations and I’m happy to work with your office to make sure we are not doing things at a detriment.”
Learn what she said the impact would be if HUD returned to the 2022 budget here.
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