I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League

The National Urban League (NUL) believes that progressive housing policy shares a direct and intractable link to any and all meaningful economic development. Because a healthy job market and a vibrant housing market go hand-in-hand, NUL strongly believes in preserving the possibility of qualified middle class homeownership as the bedrock foundation of the American Dream. As a result, NUL and our affiliates focus on policies that promote informed homeownership, affordable rental options, and the development of healthy, economically strong communities.

Improved Access to Affordable Credit For Qualified Borrowers:

NUL has taken up the fight to protect access to affordable lending for all qualified borrowers with a sustainable income and a demonstrated history of financial responsibility through collaborative policy work with numerous housing advocacy allies and by publicly speaking out against the regulatory lurch towards punitive and restrictive lending guidelines and. NUL has joined a bipartisan effort calling for the withdrawal of the federal government’s proposed Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) ruling in favor of a more reasonable guideline that protects lenders and responsible middle-class borrowers alike.

Meaningful GSE Reform:

NUL has taken a public position supporting the continued presence of the federal government in the sponsorship of soundly underwritten affordable mortgages. From conversations with Obama Administration representatives to public letters to Cabinet Secretaries and published articles such as “Mend It, Don’t End It: Sage Advice for Reforming America’s Housing Finance System”, NUL has argued in favor of Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) reform that strengthens the federal government’s ability to sponsor creditworthy borrowers and provide the underpinnings of a vibrant residential housing market that meets the needs of all Americans.

Effective Public and Private Responses to the Foreclosure Crisis:

Communities of color continue to suffer under the strain of the ever-worsening foreclosure crisis. NUL has appealed to the leaders of the various organizations responsible for US housing policy, as well as the country’s major housing finance lenders to devise new regulations with the staggering scope of the ongoing housing crisis in mind. NUL has conducted meetings with representatives of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing and Finance Authority, to encourage a shift from enhanced loss mitigation policies that add momentum to the rising tide of foreclosures while fueling the slowdown of a weakening housing market. NUL has suggested the creation of new policies that protect the taxpayer and the borrower’s family alike by allowing for modified payments and other effective remedies.

A Comprehensive US Housing Policy that Includes Affordable Rental and Residential Stock:

NUL acknowledges and understands the growing need for residential housing in the US, both rental and privately owned. The US Census Bureau projects the creation of over 17 million new US households over the next fifteen years. The need for affordable rental housing will play a crucial in the development of a national housing policy that meets the changing needs of the American family. NUL has developed the Homebuyers Bill of Rights to advocate the vigilant enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. NUL has also played a key role in ensuring that the rising political will attributed to the need for affordable housing stock does not overlook the critical importance of rental housing.