Written by: Internal Analysis & Opinion Writers
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), under the direction of Bill Pulte, is charting a new course for its 2026–2030 strategic plan—one that shifts its focus from broad housing access and equity initiatives to a more risk-based supervisory framework. This pivot comes in direct response to recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump, which have reprioritized regulatory approaches across federal agencies.
Unlike its previous strategy document, which emphasized values like diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and climate risk mitigation, the new plan omits these themes entirely. The updated framework removes the entire “Values” section and instead centers on traditional oversight roles, focusing on the FHFA’s “Mission” and “Vision” alone.
The agency outlines three central priorities: responsible oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, supervision of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, and efficient operations of the agency itself. In support of these objectives, the document emphasizes streamlining regulation, enhancing fraud prevention, and eliminating practices deemed inefficient or overly burdensome.
This revision is closely aligned with two Trump administration executive orders—one rescinding all federal DEI programs and another rolling back climate-related mandates. The language of the FHFA’s new plan reflects this alignment, avoiding any mention of social equity or environmental sustainability.
The shift has prompted pushback from affordable housing and civil rights advocates, who argue the removal of DEI and climate goals undermines progress made in expanding access to credit and homeownership for historically underserved groups. While the agency maintains some multifamily housing goals, its strategy signals a more restrained approach to single-family housing access.
For lenders and mortgage professionals, the message is clear: future supervision may involve stricter scrutiny of risk management protocols and less regulatory emphasis on extending credit to non-traditional borrowers. Companies will need to adjust their compliance and origination strategies accordingly.
Under Pulte’s leadership, the agency has already begun implementing changes that align with this new strategic vision. Programs focused on equitable housing access have been scaled back, and certain special-purpose initiatives have been phased out. These moves indicate a broader restructuring that places operational discipline and financial risk control at the forefront.
Public feedback on the draft strategy is open through November 5, 2025. This comment period offers industry stakeholders and housing advocates a final opportunity to influence the agency’s direction before the plan is finalized.
In essence, the FHFA is signaling a deliberate departure from the access-centered ethos of previous years. As federal priorities evolve, the housing finance industry must recalibrate its approach to regulation, compliance, and borrower engagement in order to stay aligned with the agency’s emerging risk-first mandate.
