June 30, 2025
At the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) Summer Board Meeting last week, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Administrator Chris Patterson shared how HUD is working to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burdens and help builders deliver more homes faster.
“No BS—Just Solutions”
Now serving a second time as a regional administrator for HUD after serving in Region IX during the first Trump Administration, Patterson introduced himself at BIAW’s June 24th lunch meeting as a straight shooter.
“I prefer to talk directly to the people doing the work,” he said. “I’m not here to waste time. I want to know exactly what’s getting in your way so I can take that message directly to Secretary (Scott) Turner and the President.”
Housing Crisis Reality: Deregulation Is Key
Patterson acknowledged the harsh reality that there’s no such thing as “affordable” anymore. Federal regulations often unintentionally slow housing development, especially in rural and middle-income communities, he said.
“Washington is a beautiful state with rich history and innovation and resilience driven by the free markets,” he said. “Yet, like many states nationwide, Washington faces significant challenges in providing affordable, accessible housing for all of its residents.
“As I have met with developers, elected officials, and housing leaders across the state over the last few months, I have heard from all of them about some of the key barriers that stand in the way of building affordable housing across the state, he said. “The heavy burden of federal regulatory requirements can delay, compete with, and complicate the development projects. They hinder progress, especially in rural areas and middle-income neighborhoods, where we need to adjust greatly.”
Supporting Builders, Not Hindering Them
Under the Trump administration, HUD’s goal is to help states and builders by getting the federal government out of the way where possible.
“We don’t want to be Big Brother,” Patterson said. “We want to hand power back to the states and the private sector.”
This includes reviewing labor rules like Davis-Bacon, finding ways to streamline grant processes and exploring ways the US can make some targeted federal lands for available for housing.
Opportunity Zones, Tribal Partnerships, and Supply Chain Challenges
Patterson highlighted ongoing efforts to boost Opportunity Zones, collaborate with tribal governments, and tackle land-use issues. Congress recently approved renewing Opportunity Zones, which allow people to receive tax benefits for investing in distressed areas to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities.
He acknowledged that supply chain challenges, like tariffs and material costs, are real concerns but explained how they are tied to long-term national strategies like increasing domestic manufacturing.
HUD Embracing AI and Innovation
When asked about AI’s role in expediting permitting and reviews, Patterson agreed the future is here.
“AI is changing week by week,” he said. “We’re looking closely at how it can streamline everything from compliance to project approvals.”
Builders’ Feedback Drives Change
Patterson made it clear: HUD can’t solve these issues alone.
“I need to hear directly from builders," he said. "What’s holding you back?”
Whether it’s permitting delays, local restrictions, or federal regulations, Patterson wants to gather real-time input from the industry to help drive smarter federal policies.
“This administration is moving fast and deliberately,” he said. “We are here to help. But we need your help to know exactly where to push.”
About Chris Patterson
Chris Patterson is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Regional Administrator for Region X, covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
He brings more than 25 years of experience building connections across health, housing and human services. First appointed to this role during the Trump Administration in 2019, he returned in 2025. A passionate advocate for youth and vulnerable populations, Patterson founded two organizations—BreakThrough Inc. and SteadFast Supported Living Inc.—serving children and adults with developmental and behavioral challenges. After growing up working for dairy farms in high school, he graduated from Job Corps, where he learned four trades and earned his red card to fight fires at the Curlew location after aging out of the foster care system. He and his wife also own Phenix Salon Suites in Lynnwood.
A longtime civic leader and contributor to local media, Patterson graduated from Leadership Spokane and the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute.
