Trump Administration Plans 84% Staff Cut to Key Disaster Recovery Office

The proposed cuts to HUD's Community Planning and Development Office could severely hinder recovery efforts as climate disasters grow more frequent and severe.

The Trump administration plans to reduce staff in HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development from 936 to 150, an 84% cut, according to reports.
The office plays a critical role in disaster recovery, supplementing FEMA's efforts by funding rebuilding projects for uninsured homes and infrastructure not covered by FEMA.
Critics warn the cuts could delay or jeopardize recovery efforts in areas hit by major disasters, including states that supported Trump in the election.
Over the past decade, the office has managed billions of dollars annually in disaster recovery funds, as climate-related disasters have increased in frequency and severity.
Officials and experts express concerns that the cuts will make it harder to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the disbursement of disaster relief funds.