HUD announces new rules to combat segregated housing

Posted on July 9, 2015

U.S. HUD secretary Julian Castro said the agency could withhold money if local governments don’t come up with a plan to address segregation problems.
(Photo courtesy Illinois Radio Network)

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – A member of the U.S. Cabinet has come to Illinois to announce a new rule designed to promote racially integrated neighborhoods and cities.

The rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is aimed to provide better data to cities in order to achieve the goals of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, promoting access to quality housing regardless of race or other factors.

U.S. HUD Secretary Julian Castro announced the rule in Chicago, but said it will lead to change in other Illinois cities with segregation problems, like Peoria, Danville, and the Metro East area.

“This tool is about helping them be better about planning and stretching out those resources and ensuring that just because you’re low-income doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in low-opportunity areas,” Castro said.

Crafting those policies will be left to local governments, though if they fail to address segregation problems, HUD funds can be withheld.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…