In a surprising announcement on Monday, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge revealed her resignation from the post, effective March 22. Fudge, a former mayor and Ohio representative, had served as HUD secretary since the beginning of President Joe Biden's administration.

Leaving "with mixed emotions," Fudge expressed her dedication to improving the quality of life for Americans during her nearly five-decade career in public service. She emphasized her commitment to aiding those in greatest need and ensuring that the United States lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.

Although Fudge's departure did not come with a specific reason, she stated her intention to transition to life as a private citizen. The White House praised Fudge's contributions, particularly her tireless work in increasing the supply of affordable housing and protecting the housing needs of vulnerable residents.

President Biden commended Fudge's vision, passion, and focus on enhancing economic opportunities, acknowledging her valuable role as a mayor and advocate in Congress. He expressed gratitude for her efforts towards creating a housing system that benefits all Americans and wished her well on her next endeavor.

While no specific timeline was provided for the nomination process, the White House confirmed that Biden would nominate a replacement for Fudge as HUD secretary. In her absence, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will serve as the acting housing secretary.

Under Fudge's leadership, HUD worked diligently with federal, state, and local partners to address housing supply issues, specifically in ensuring the availability of affordable homes. The department also allocated historic resources to combat homelessness. Fudge's tenure also saw a strong commitment to enforcing fair housing laws and taking a stand against racial bias and discrimination in the appraisal market.

David M Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, applauded Fudge's outstanding performance during her time at HUD, exceeding expectations. He commended her for her dedication to helping Americans navigate the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic while prioritizing policies aimed at increasing affordable housing options. Dworkin described Fudge as a staunch advocate for equitable housing initiatives, promoting efforts to alleviate homelessness, expand access to affordable housing, and foster sustainable communities.

As Secretary Fudge's departure draws near, her legacy as a passionate advocate for affordable housing remains. Her dedication and contributions to the field will undoubtedly continue to influence the ongoing efforts to address America's housing needs.