Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford has joined forces with 20 other attorneys general to advocate for the reinstatement of funding to fair housing organizations. The group filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, urging support for these organizations as they appeal a decision that removed a temporary restraining order blocking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from canceling their grant funding.
"Ensuring that fair housing is protected is a core value that governmental organizations should share," stated AG Ford, criticizing HUD's cancellation under the Trump administration as "highly destructive." He emphasized the importance of maintaining the temporary restraining order to safeguard vulnerable residents.
The Fair Housing Initiative Program (FHIP), established by Congress, provides financial support to nonprofit groups combatting discriminatory housing practices. However, in February 2025, HUD unexpectedly canceled 78 FHIP grants across 33 states without prior notice, despite statutory obligations.
Following this action, 66 nonprofit fair housing groups initiated legal proceedings against HUD in Massachusetts' federal court. On March 26, a temporary restraining order was issued to restore funding. Nevertheless, influenced by an interim Supreme Court ruling on another case, HUD moved to dissolve this order on April 14.
The attorneys general argue that reinstating the restraining order is essential because plaintiffs are likely to succeed legally and sudden fund withdrawal could hinder anti-discrimination efforts nationwide.
AG Ford collaborates with lead attorneys general from Massachusetts, New York, and California and those from Arizona through Washington in this legal effort.