Obama seeks public input on housing reform

The Obama Administration on Wednesday asked for public input on reforming the housing finance system.

Input is sought from market participants, industry groups, academic experts, and consumer and community organizations. The questions focus on the government's role in housing policy, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. "A well-functioning housing finance system is critical to the long term stability of the housing market," said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in prepared remarks. "Hearing from a wide variety of perspectives as we embark on this process is an important part of establishing a more stable and sound housing finance system for the American people." 

The public can either submit written responses to questions published in the Federal Register, at www.regulations.gov, or participate in public forums that will take place across the country.  

The questions include: 

- How should federal housing finance objectives be prioritized in the context of the broader objectives of housing policy? 

- What role should the federal government play in supporting a stable, well-functioning housing finance system and what risks, if any, should the federal government bear in meeting its housing finance objectives? 

- Should the government approach differ across different segments of the market, and if so, how?