A Message From the Secretary

Table of Contents

Section 1: HUD Works - Performance, Customer Service, and a Commitment to Our Mission
Since 1997, HUD has had as a top priority a dramatic overhaul of the agency’s operations. During 1998, the impact of these organizational changes became evident with the passage of HUD’s best budget in a decade. HUD’s new structure, which emphasizes performance, customer service, and a renewed commitment to our mission, will ensure that the Department remains an effective partner in local communities and markets.

Section 2: HUD Next Door - Creating Jobs and Livable Communities
HUD administers a range of programs that strengthen local economies and support safe, healthy communities. In 1998, HUD provided localities with resources to promote economic development, create jobs, fight crime, provide access to health care, reduce environmental toxins, and respond to natural disasters.

Section 3: A Place to Call Home - Affordable Housing
Safe, decent, affordable housing for all Americans is a cornerstone of our Nation that many of us take for granted. Increased funding for Section 8, public housing modernization mixed-income public housing developments, seeding local and corporate investment in housing, improved Native American housing, and housing assistance for homeless, elderly, and disabled persons, and persons living with HIV/AIDS address the housing problems of low-income families and individuals.

Section 4: A Place at the Table - Expanding Prosperity and Economic Opportunity
There are many families in distressed communities for whom the promise of America has not been fulfilled. HUD administers a menu of programs that assist low-income families and welfare recipients living in underserved communities along the path from poverty to self-sufficiency and help to make those communities better places to live and work.

Section 5: Realizing the American Dream - Homeownership
At the end of 1998, the national homeownership rate was at an all-time high—66.7 percent— well on the way to achieving President Clinton's goal of 67.5 percent by 2000. Increased participation by women, minorities, and new immigrants in the mortgage market is key to this success. With higher FHA loan limits, the increase in grant awards to Housing Counseling agencies, and the creation of innovative Homeownership Zones in inner cities and other efforts, homeownership is becoming a reality for an unprecedented number of Americans.

Section 6: Breaking Barriers - Fair Housing
Over the past 30 years, America has made great strides in opening housing markets. In 1997, President Clinton directed HUD to double the number of enforcement actions it brings under the Fair Housing Act. During 1998, HUD intensified its fair housing activities and increased support to local nonprofit fair housing groups and enforcement agencies.

Headquarters and Regional Offices

Index

1997 Consolidated Report