Treasury/HUD Conference on the Future of Housing Finance

On August 7, Treasury Secretary Geithner made opening remarks at the Conference on the Future of Housing Finance.  Secretary Geithner outlined four key questions underlying the approach to housing finance reform: (i) what role the government should play to provide stability in the housing finance system, (ii) what role the government should play in providing financial support to improve access to affordable housing, (iii) how to manage the securitization market, and (iv) how to manage the transition into a new housing finance system.  Secretary Geithner also highlighted the need for government involvement in providing a form of guarantee or insurance in a reformed system, noting that any government guarantee should be priced to cover the risk of losses and structured to minimize taxpayer exposure. HUD Secretary Donovan followed Secretary Geithner’s remarks and focused on policy issues and the broader social impact of housing finance. Secretary Geithner’s Remarks. Secretary Donovan’s Remarks.