Housing and Urban Development

In a Rose Garden ceremony on Aug. 10, 1965, President  Johnson signed the Housing and Urban Development Act. The act expanded funding for existing federal housing programs, provided rent subsidies for the elderly and disabled, assisted in the construction of more low-income housing, and provided funds for public works projects. In his signing remarks, he said he believed the act would "become known as the single most valuable housing legislation in our history."

Four weeks later on Sept. 9, 1965, President Johnson would go on to sign legislation that would establish the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a cabinet-level agency, to oversee the newly funded housing programs. Nominated by President Johnson in 1966, Robert C. Weaver was appointed as the first secretary of HUD, making him also the first-ever African American Cabinet member.

Weaver is credited with increasing the availability of affordable housing, fighting to end housing discrimination, and launching a comprehensive revitalization of America's urban centers. In July 2000, the HUD headquarters in Washington, D. C., was renamed to the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building.

For historical perspective, the LBJ Presidential Library has collected related photos, videos, audio, and text from both bill signings. All are public domain.