HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announces resignation

Marcia Fudge, the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced her resignation from office, according to an announcement released on Monday by HUD. Her last day will be March 22. Adrianne Todman, the current Deputy Secretary and HUD veteran, was named Acting Secretary.

No reason was given directly for the decision, however Fudge said that she felt “mixed emotions” about the move.

“As a dedicated public servant for nearly five decades, I have been devoted to improving the quality of life for the people of this nation, focusing on those with the greatest need,” Fudge said in a statement. “Having worked at every level of government, including as a mayor, then as a congressional staffer, a member of Congress, and now as the 18th Secretary of [HUD] I have worked tirelessly to ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”

Fudge described her mission in public service and as HUD secretary as one motivated by serving people equally.

“For the last three years, I have fully embraced HUD’s mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all,” she said. “The people HUD serves are those who are often left out and left behind. These are my people. They serve as my motivation for everything we have been able to accomplish.”

“For that reason, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation effective March 22, 2024.”

Fudge listed a series of actions during her tenure she sees as accomplishments, including “helping two million families” either stay in their homes or avoid foreclosure; adding positive rental history to criteria for creditworthiness; and reducing the mortgage insurance premium.

“I thank President Biden for his confidence and trust in me to lead HUD in alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration priorities,” she said. “As I transition to life as a public citizen, I will continue to do the work that I have been called to do.”

Fudge was confirmed as HUD secretary after of a 12-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Cleveland and Akron.

Prior to serving in Congress, Fudge earned a law degree from Cleveland State University Cleveland–Marshall College of Law, and entered politics in 2000 after being elected mayor of Cleveland-area suburb Warrensville Heights, becoming the first female and first African-American mayor of the city.

She served as chief of staff for former Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who unexpectedly died of a brain aneurysm in 2008 and won election to her seat that November.

This is a developing story.