Housing Equality in the Permian Basin: National Fair Housing Month

No matter the locale, ensuring all residents have access to safe living environments is essential for fostering stable and thriving communities. There is a direct correlation between the presence of reliable, cost-efficient housing and overall health, economic opportunity, and social equity.

The Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission (PBRPC) is dedicated to advancing fair housing goals and improving housing access in our service region. April marks National Fair Housing Month, a time dedicated to promoting equal access to housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability. 

Critical Role in the Permian Basin

The PBRPC region, spanning seventeen counties in West Texas, is a diverse and rapidly growing region. With a strong economic base driven by the energy industry, the area has seen an influx of new residents in recent years, increasing the demand for housing. The region houses nearly 500,000 people and as new residents arrive, fair housing becomes especially critical to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The PBRPC promotes equal housing opportunity and fair housing practices with city and county officials in order to build a more prosperous region.

What is National Fair Housing Month and the Fair Housing Act?

National Fair Housing Month is observed every April to honor the landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968. Signed into law by President and Texan Lyndon B. Johnson, this landmark legislation was a response to widespread housing discrimination that was prevalent across the United States, particularly for racial minorities. The Act makes it illegal to discriminate in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability. The Act also provides protections for people in housing-related transactions, including rentals, home sales, mortgage lending, homeowner’s insurance, home improvement, and zoning. 

The Fair Housing Act plays a crucial role in advancing civil rights, providing legal protections, and ensuring that housing opportunities are available to all people, regardless of their background. It prohibits many discriminatory housing practices, such as redlining, blockbusting, and steering. Architects, builders, contractors, engineers and others involved in the design and construction are held to the requirements set forth by the Fair Housing Act. 

Fair for All

The PBRPC is one of many organizations taking up the role of helping to promote and ensure housing in the Permian Basin is accessible, affordable, and free from discrimination. By continuing to promote fair housing, the PBRPC is helping to create a more equitable community where all residents can live in safe, secure, and affordable homes. Contact the PBRPC for more information.