The MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) joins the National Association of Realtors in condemning the recent action taken by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to abolish the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, a 2015 regulation implementing the 1968 Fair Housing Act’s mandate that governments take affirmative steps to address segregation.
Ending this rule will limit or eliminate accountability for communities enacting policies that advance segregation and discrimination.
MIAMI remains deeply committed to fighting discriminatory and biased practices that advance segregation and hinder inclusiveness and fair housing for all. As Realtors, our leadership, members, and staff recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and are committed to offering equal professional service to all and adhering to NAR’s Fair Housing Action Plan, which emphasizes accountability, culture change, and training in order to ensure America’s 1.4 million Realtors are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America.
Our association has a long history of contributions supporting fair and affordable housing in our communities, including:
- Offering extensive fair housing training, information, and resources for MIAMI Members.
- Sponsoring the Miami-Dade County Affordable Housing Framework and serving on the Framework Steering Committee for over two years. The Framework, which was launched in July by Miami Homes For All and the Shimberg Center for Housing Studies at the University of Florida, is rooted in the values of equity and inclusion. It is a community-informed, data-driven, actionable, and prioritized toolkit that Miami-Dade County, its municipalities, and our community at-large can use to implement affordable housing solutions that make sense for our diverse neighborhoods. More information: www.affordablehousingframework.com.
- Providing fair housing solutions, including down payment resources for low-income and first-time homebuyers.
- Advocating for legislation to apply nationwide condominium underwriting standards to Florida condominiums, allowing local buyers to put a 10% down payment versus the 25% requirement previously only applicable in Florida.
- Building the first shipping container home in Miami-Dade County, which will provide affordable housing for a low-income family and will serve as a pilot and case study for future affordable housing design innovation and progress.
And there is more to come . . . as we continue to address any disparity and housing issues that disproportionately impact any segment of our population and impede access to fair and affordable housing.
