HUD Just Shook Up the Housing Market—Here’s What That Means for Kitsap County
HUD’s Latest Move: What Just Happened?
Did you know the federal government just dropped a major policy change that could impact everything from affordable housing to who gets to live where? No? Well, buckle up, because this is one of those moments where real estate and government policy collide in a way that affects all of us—especially here in Kitsap County.
HUD (the Department of Housing and Urban Development) just officially terminated the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. I know, that’s a mouthful, so let’s just call it the “AFFH Rule”—or, if we’re feeling a little dramatic, the “Housing Fairness Rule That’s No Longer With Us.”
This rule was designed to hold cities and counties accountable when it came to fair housing practices. If they wanted federal funding, they had to prove they were actively working to address housing inequities. Makes sense, right? Well, some people thought it was too restrictive, and now—poof!—it’s gone. So what does that mean for the Kitsap County housing market? And more importantly, what does it mean for marginalized communities that have historically faced housing discrimination? Let’s dive in.
What the AFFH Rule Actually Did (Before It Was Kicked to the Curb)
Think of the AFFH Rule like a real estate report card. Cities and counties that received federal housing dollars had to do their homework. They had to analyze their housing market, identify any disparities (like racial segregation or lack of affordable housing), and come up with an action plan to fix those issues.
And here’s the kicker: If they didn’t take measurable steps to promote fair housing, they risked losing access to that sweet, sweet federal funding.
Now that the rule is gone, local governments no longer have to prove they’re making housing fair and equitable. The responsibility of addressing housing disparities? Completely up to them. No report card, no penalties, no “Hey, why aren’t you building more affordable housing?” oversight.
Sounds like a recipe for a hands-off approach to housing, doesn’t it?
How This Could Affect Kitsap County’s Housing Market
Alright, let’s bring this conversation closer to home. Kitsap County has already been struggling with housing shortages. Between 2010 and 2017, we only built 42 homes for every 100 new households that moved in. That’s like inviting 100 people to a dinner party but only cooking for half of them. Awkward, right?
Now, with this policy change, Kitsap County’s housing future is completely in the hands of local leaders. And while that could mean more tailored solutions for our area, it also opens the door to the following potential issues:
1. Affordable Housing? What Affordable Housing?
Without federal oversight, there’s no real incentive for cities to prioritize affordable housing initiatives. Sure, some leaders might step up and say, “We care about making housing accessible for everyone!” But without a requirement to prove it, progress could stall—or worse, disappear entirely.
2. Zoning Decisions Are Now 100% Local
With no federal guidelines to encourage inclusive zoning, Kitsap County could see more exclusive developments that cater to high-income earners while leaving middle- and lower-income residents with fewer options. And let’s be honest—without accountability, some areas might prioritize luxury condos over much-needed workforce housing.
3. More Segregation, Less Diversity
Historically, policies like AFFH have been crucial in breaking down racial and economic barriers in housing. Without it, there’s a very real possibility that wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods will see even fewer affordable housing units, further entrenching economic and racial divides.
The Impact on Marginalized Communities
Now let’s get to the heart of the issue. Marginalized communities—low-income families, people of color, single parents, the elderly—are often the first to feel the effects of housing inequality. The AFFH rule was one of the few federal policies designed to help level the playing field. Without it, we could see:
✅ Fewer affordable housing units in desirable areas
✅ Increased economic and racial segregation
✅ A decline in local initiatives addressing housing inequities
✅ Greater difficulty for lower-income families to buy homes
And let’s not forget the Bremerton Housing Authority just completed a massive redevelopment project that improved housing for 138 families. Programs like this rely on stable funding sources. If federal dollars become harder to obtain, future projects could be at risk.
So, the big question: Will Kitsap County step up and fill the gap? Or will we see a slow decline in fair housing opportunities?
What Can We Do About It?
If you’re feeling a little hopeless after all this, don’t worry—there are still ways to advocate for better housing policies without needing a magic wand or a government job. Here’s what we can do:
1️⃣ Stay Informed – Policies like this tend to fly under the radar, but knowledge is power. The more we understand what’s happening, the better we can advocate for change.
2️⃣ Push Local Leaders to Take Action – Just because federal oversight is gone doesn’t mean we can’t hold Kitsap County officials accountable. Attend city meetings, ask tough questions, and demand that housing equity remains a priority.
3️⃣ Support Housing Organizations – Groups like the Bremerton Housing Authority, Kitsap Housing Coalition, and Habitat for Humanity are working hard to promote fair housing. Supporting them—whether through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy—makes a real difference.
4️⃣ Talk About It – Seriously, just having conversations about these issues can help. Share this article, post about it on social media, bring it up at dinner (if your guests can handle light political talk over dessert). Awareness is the first step toward change.
The Bottom Line
The termination of the AFFH rule is a major shift in housing policy. While it gives local governments more control, it also removes a crucial accountability measure that ensured fair housing initiatives actually happened.
For Kitsap County, this means we have an opportunity—and a challenge. Our housing market could become more exclusive, more expensive, and less diverse unless we make housing equity a local priority.
So, what do you think? Is this change a step forward, or is it setting us back decades in the fight for fair housing? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
And if you’re looking to navigate this ever-changing real estate market (with an expert guide, cough cough), let’s chat. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what’s next, I’m here to help.
📩 Get in touch, and let’s make sure Kitsap’s housing future is one we can all be proud of.
