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Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner is spearheading efforts to bolster the private sector’s role in revitalizing long-neglected, economically distressed areas. His recent tour of Philadelphia highlighted how public-private partnerships are transforming communities, creating jobs, and fostering long-term economic stability.

Over the past five years, the Opportunity Zones initiative has catalyzed $84 billion in private investment, lifting over one million people out of poverty. While property values have surged in revitalized areas, rents have remained stable, ensuring that local families benefit from economic development without being displaced. Turner emphasized that the initiative is about more than just economic growth—it’s about rebuilding communities and providing families with fresh starts.

A Closer Look at Philadelphia’s Transformation

On Thursday, Turner met with community and business leaders at the Philadelphia Housing Authority, touring neighborhoods that have seen dramatic redevelopment thanks to the Opportunity Zones program. These zones, established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, provide tax incentives to investors willing to fund projects in distressed areas. Now, under what Turner calls “Opportunity Zones 2.0,” the initiative is set to expand and become even more effective.

“I’m incredibly excited about the next phase of Opportunity Zones,” Turner said. “With continued bipartisan support and strong private partnerships, we’re taking this program to the next level.”

Investments That Are Changing Lives

Turner’s visit included a stop at the Grocery Outlet, a North Philadelphia supermarket that was part of a broader mixed-use development in the Sharswood-Blumberg neighborhood—an area historically plagued by high crime rates and economic struggles. This project was made possible by HUD’s $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant, which helped attract an additional $517 million in private and public investments. Today, the development includes a community center, a health clinic, and affordable housing units, providing essential services and economic opportunities to local residents.

Another highlight of Turner’s tour was The Battery, a former power plant along the Delaware River that has been transformed into a luxury mixed-use development featuring nearly 200 apartments and a boutique hotel called Riversuites at The Battery. The century-old industrial site sat vacant for decades due to its high redevelopment costs, but thanks to $154 million in Opportunity Zone investments, it has been reborn as a vibrant urban hub.

“For 50 years, this place was abandoned. Now, thanks to Opportunity Zones, it’s a thriving space where people can live, work, and invest in their future,” Turner said from the rooftop, where the building’s original smokestacks have been converted into private terraces.

Addressing the National Homelessness Crisis

While Opportunity Zones are spurring economic development, Turner also underscored the urgency of addressing America’s homelessness crisis. Recent reports indicate that homelessness increased by 18% in 2024, with over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.

“Despite record funding, we still have a homelessness crisis,” Turner admitted. “The solution isn’t just government intervention. It’s about public-private partnerships, faith-based initiatives, and nonprofit organizations working together to provide housing, support, and rehabilitation.”

Cracking Down on Misuse of Public Housing Funds

Turner has also been tackling another pressing issue—ensuring that HUD-funded public housing is reserved for American citizens. Last week, he joined Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in launching an interagency initiative aimed at preventing taxpayer-funded housing from being allocated to illegal immigrants.

“Those here illegally who are benefiting from HUD housing are on notice,” Turner warned. “We currently only serve one out of every four Americans who qualify for assistance, and that has to change.”

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between HUD and the Department of Homeland Security aims to end wasteful misappropriation of housing resources and ensure that hard-working American taxpayers are the primary beneficiaries of these programs.

The Future of Public-Private Collaboration

As HUD moves forward with Opportunity Zones 2.0, Turner remains focused on leveraging private sector investment to drive economic and community development nationwide. Philadelphia stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when the public and private sectors unite to uplift struggling communities.

“We’re mission-driven at HUD,” Turner said. “This isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about building stronger communities, helping families find stability, and making sure every American has the opportunity to thrive.”

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