The SAHMA Exchange

Fair Housing with Christine, Vickie and Mary

Episode Summary

April is Fair Housing Month, and in this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we’re taking a closer look at the history, impact, and ongoing importance of the Fair Housing Act. Joined by industry leaders Mary Ross (Ross Business Development), Vickie Bell (Navigate Affordable Housing Partners), and Christine Ramos (North Tampa Housing Development Corp.), we explore how Fair Housing has shaped the multifamily and affordable housing landscape, from its roots in the civil rights movement to its role in today’s operations. This conversation goes beyond compliance. We discuss the seven federally protected classes, the real risks of getting it wrong, and how Fair Housing influences everything from marketing and leasing practices to the resident experience. We also examine how evolving guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is impacting day-to-day operations across the industry. Most importantly, we reflect on what Fair Housing means on a human level, and why it continues to matter in the communities we serve.

Episode Notes

  1. Mayor Adams Announces Largest Civil Rights Settlement in City History, Protecting New Yorkers from Housing Discrimination | NYC.gov | Aug. 22, 2024
  2. Violence Against Women Act | HUD
  3. Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) | SAHMA
  4. Fair Housing Compliance Certification (FHC) | SAHMA
  5. Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) | HUD
  6. Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHA) | HUD
  7. HUD Rescinds Disparate Impact Regulations | Nixon Peabody | Jan. 21, 2026
  8. HUD Announces Key Fair Housing Updates | National Apartment Association
  9. Fair Housing Institute
  10. Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act | HUD
  11. Mrs. Murphy Exemption: Exemptions to the Fair Housing Act | Housing Equality Center