AI Urges HUD to Restore Evidence-Based Fair Housing Enforcement
In this issue:
- HUD Push from AI: Insight to formal comment letter to HUD
- 2026 Legislative Day: Registration now open
- PAC Chapter Challenge: There’s still time to make an impact
- Q1 Board Meeting: Register for board meeting recap on Feb. 10
Advocacy Updates
AI Pushes for Fair, Evidence-Based Enforcement in HUD Comment Letter
The Appraisal Institute recently submitted a formal comment letter to HUD in response to the Department’s proposed rescission of key elements of its Fair Housing Act disparate impact framework.
In its comments, AI reaffirmed strong support for the Fair Housing Act’s goals while raising concerns that the current framework has too often treated appraisers as enforcement targets based on valuation outcomes alone, without clear evidence of discriminatory intent or violations of professional standards. AI emphasized that appraisals are independent, data-driven professional judgments, not policy decisions, and that outcome disparities frequently reflect real market conditions rather than misconduct.
AI expressed support for HUD’s recognition that outcome disparities, by themselves, are not proof of unlawful discrimination and endorsed the Department’s efforts to restore a more balanced, evidence-based enforcement approach. The Institute also reiterated its support for robust fair housing enforcement focused on intentional discrimination and biased practices, while cautioning against presumptive liability that undermines appraisal independence and due process.
You can read our letter to HUD here.
Registration Now Open: 2026 AI Legislative Day
Registration is now open for the Appraisal Institute’s 2026 Legislative Day, taking place in Washington, DC on May 20–21, 2026.
Legislative Day is your opportunity to hear directly from policymakers, get the latest updates on federal issues impacting the profession, and meet with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for appraisers on Capitol Hill.
Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned participant, this event is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard in Washington.
We encourage early registration, as space is limited and meetings are scheduled in advance.
AI PAC Chapter Challenge: There’s Still Time to Make Your Mark
The AI PAC Chapter Challenge is well underway, and there is still plenty of time for chapters to step up and make an impact. With our overall goal set at $125,000, every chapter has a meaningful opportunity to contribute and help strengthen the profession’s voice in Washington.
This is not just about fundraising; it’s about visibility, participation, and showing policymakers that appraisers are engaged, organized, and invested in the issues that affect our work. Whether your chapter is just getting started or already making progress, now is the time to rally members, promote participation, and move the thermometer higher.
There’s still room at the top, and every chapter can play a role in getting us there.
Register for 1Q Board Meeting Recap/Q&A
Please join us on February 10 at 2 pm CT as members of the Appraisal Institute Executive Committee host a recap and live Q&A session following the 1st Quarter 2026 Board of Directors meeting.
AI Blog
Ready to take your appraisal skills off the beaten path?
Non-lender appraisal work is becoming an increasingly important part of residential practice.
As changes to appraisal forms and lender requirements continue to reshape the landscape, a 2026 Annual Conference session will explore advisory-driven residential valuation opportunities beyond the 1004. Learn how experienced professionals are expanding scope, working with attorneys and private clients, and building sustainable, non-lender revenue streams.
Get a preview of the session and meet the speakers in our latest blog.
Trending Topics Thursdays:
Sign up for our next free webinar
Appraiser's LinkedIn Playbook - Your next client is already looking for you on LinkedIn
Attorneys searching for expert witnesses. Lenders building referral lists. Commercial clients deciding who to call. They're all on LinkedIn, and they're choosing appraisers who show up with clarity and credibility.
Richard Bliss, who has trained over 6,000 professionals on LinkedIn strategy, joins Appraisal Institute Director of Education Maureen Mahoney to show you how to build a presence that attracts the right opportunities.
You'll learn:
- Why LinkedIn's algorithm rewards professional expertise and how to work with it
- The "Give Before You Ask" approach to building referral relationships
- How to share insights that position you as the expert without crossing ethical lines
- A simple weekly rhythm that takes about 15 minutes
This session is designed for appraisers ready to be found by the clients and colleagues who matter most.
February 19, 2026, 11 am CT
Real Estate Horizons
Stay updated and check out links to the latest major real estate industry stories!
More Opportunities to Learn
Search the latest educational offerings! Find National and Chapter-sponsored classroom, synchronous, and online opportunities.
Your Community
Public Consultation Open: IVS Exposure Draft
Public comments are now being accepted on the International Valuation Standards (IVS) Exposure Draft, which proposes updates to the International Valuation Standards.
The consultation is open until April 30, 2026, and feedback is invited from appraisers and valuers, standards users, regulators, academics, professional bodies, and other stakeholders with an interest in IVS. Responses will inform the next edition of IVS, scheduled for publication in January 2027.
Comments can be submitted through the online consultation survey, with all responses considered as part of the standard‑setting process.
Until Next week
Team Appraisal Institute
