Federal Response

The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is committed to transparency and keeping our stakeholders informed regarding how events in our society impact our Agency. Following President Trump’s inauguration in January of 2025, the new Administration has put forward an aggressive and sweeping agenda that has the potential to directly impact our work. For example, in January 2025, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum directing all federal agencies to temporarily freeze funding for grants, loans, and other financial assistance. That order was subsequently rescinded, but not before causing concern with a multitude of entities that receive funding from the federal government. HABD receives significant funding from the federal government to operate housing assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides HABD millions of dollars to ensure families in Birmingham can access safe and affordable housing. Any interruption or decrease in these funds has the potential to directly impact the availability and quality of housing we provide to our residents. At HABD, we continue to assess actions and plans of the Administration, and advocate for the individuals and families who rely on us. The programs and services HABD operates are critical to the well-being of our residents and contribute significantly to our local economy and community partnerships.

Budget Update: May 2025

On May 2, 2025 President Trump released an outline of a budget proposal for the 2026 Federal Fiscal Year (Oct. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2026). The proposed budget would transform the Housing Choice Voucher, Project-based Section 8, Public Housing, and other housing assistance programs into a grant provided to the states. Funding to those programs would be reduced by over $26 billion. Numerous other community development and self-sufficiency programs would be eliminated or drastically reduced under the proposal. The proposed budget would have deep and harmful impacts to low-income families and disrupt HABD’s plans to provide high-quality housing to families in Birmingham. However, residents, stakeholders, and advocates should know that Congressional representatives write the funding laws, and the President’s proposal is the start of that process. However we are hopeful that elected officials know how critical housing assistance programs are, and reject efforts to reduce or eliminate them. Please check this page often for the latest information concerning our operations and programs. HABD will ensure our clients, staff, stakeholders, partners, and community members are informed when situations arise. 

 FAQ For Staff

• Q: Will any changes to the current housing regulations or eligibility criteria be made, and how will they affect our day-to-day work?
• A: Changes to eligibility and other requirements of housing assistance programs are typically made through regulatory updates. Those updates take time to construct, and HUD typically invites public comment as part of the regulatory process. To date, no significant changes have been proposed. HABD will update stakeholders if significant changes are proposed.
• Q: Would a federal funding freeze cause HABD to furlough or reduce its workforce?
• A: HABD cannot operate high-quality, efficient housing assistance programs without its staff. Funding availability impacts HABD budgetary decisions, and reducing staff would be a last resort. 
• Q: Will any changes to the current housing regulations or eligibility criteria be made, and how will they affect our day-to-day work?
• A: Changes to eligibility and other requirements of housing assistance programs are typically made through regulatory updates. Those updates take time to construct, and HUD typically invites public comment as part of the regulatory process. To date, no significant changes have been proposed. HABD will update stakeholders if significant changes are proposed.

FAQ for Community Partners

• Q: How will Federal changes impact the funding and support available for our current or upcoming projects?
• A: We are committed to serving our communities with the support needed. We are always mindful of our responsibility to allocate resources efficiently and equitably. The current environment has confirmed HABD’s current path of developing alternative funding sources to support the Thrive 2035 agenda and HABD’s sustainability. We continue to focus on sustaining current initiatives and identifying new opportunities for support. We are confident that, with thoughtful planning and open communication, we can continue to drive progress without compromising the quality or reach of our work.
• Q: What new regulations or policy changes should we be aware of that might affect our partnership or the services we provide?
• A: HABD will communicate any program-specific information to its partners as information becomes available. HABD has and will continue to prioritize compliance with all funding and grant agreements.

FAQ for Residents/Landlords

• Q: Will my rent increase or decrease because of the changes in housing policy or new funding under the administration?
• A: Federal policy directly impacts how much households pay in rent. Most changes require Congress to pass new laws, and HABD would provide ample notice to residents.
• Q: How will these changes affect the process for renewing my lease or applying for housing assistance?
• A: At this time, no changes have been proposed or implemented that impact the process for lease renewals or applications.