Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge announced Monday that she is stepping down from her cabinet position later this month — marking only the second cabinet secretary to do so during the Biden administration.
“From her time as a mayor, to her years as a fierce advocate in the U.S. House of Representatives, Marcia’s vision, passion, and focus on increasing economic opportunity have been assets to our country. I’m grateful for all of her contributions toward a housing system that works for all Americans, and I wish her well in her next chapter,” President Joe Biden wrote in a statement on her departure.
Fudge sat for an exclusive interview with USA Today and said she is leaving public office for retirement. Her last day is March 22.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge speaks on the 59th commemoration of the Bloody Sunday Selma bridge crossing in Selma, AL, March 3, 2024.
Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
“Don’t look for me to ever be on another ballot or another appointee or anything like that,” she told USA Today. “I really do look forward to being a private citizen.”
Fudge, who has served in the role for three years, was only the second black woman to lead the agency.
When Fudge departs, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will serve as acting secretary.
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announced her resignation from her position on Monday, citing her desire to focus on a new role in the Biden administration. Fudge, who has served as the head of the Department of Housing and Urban Development since March 2021, will be stepping down from her post in the coming weeks.
During her tenure as HUD Secretary, Fudge has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing and equitable access to housing for all Americans. She has worked to address issues such as homelessness, housing discrimination, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on housing stability.
Fudge’s resignation comes as the Biden administration continues to face challenges in addressing the nation’s housing crisis. With rising housing costs, a shortage of affordable housing, and millions of Americans at risk of eviction, the need for strong leadership at HUD is more important than ever.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Fudge expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as HUD Secretary and highlighted some of the accomplishments of her tenure. She noted the administration’s efforts to provide emergency rental assistance to those in need, expand access to affordable housing, and promote sustainable and equitable housing policies.
Fudge’s departure will leave a vacancy at the top of HUD, and President Biden will need to appoint a new Secretary to lead the department. The next HUD Secretary will face a daunting task in addressing the ongoing housing crisis and ensuring that all Americans have access to safe, affordable housing.
As Fudge prepares to step down from her role at HUD, she leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for housing justice and a commitment to ensuring that all Americans have a place to call home. Her leadership will be missed, but her dedication to the cause of affordable housing will continue to inspire others in the fight for housing equity.
