CHARLES J. ORLEBEKE PAPERS, 1975-77

Charles J. Orlebeke was nominated by President Gerald R. Ford to the position of Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on July 24, 1975. In this position Orlebeke spearheaded programs of research, studies, testing, and demonstrations concerned with improving the nation’s communities. Research topics included: testing the feasibility of providing direct cash assistance to needy families for rental or homeownership payments; studies of fair housing and equal opportunity practices; development of techniques to lower or stabilize the costs of housing production; programs to increase housing safety and security; studies of the conservation of energy; better methods for the guidance of economic and community growth; and programs concerned with the problems of housing deterioration and neighborhood decay. Orlebeke’s appointment was confirmed on August 1, 1975. Orlebeke remained in the position until January 1977 when the Ford presidency ended. Prior to his appointment as Assistant Secretary, Orlebeke previously worked at HUD from 1969 to 1972 as an assistant to Secretary George Romney.

This collection contains correspondence, memorandums, budgets, conference programs, meeting minutes, brochures, and speeches on issues related to urban policy, such as: community development, housing, urban renewal, the Urban Reinvestment Task Force (URTF), New York City finances, equal opportunity housing, the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (HABITAT), the Experimental Housing Allowance Program (EHAP), and Section 8. In addition, a number of speeches and papers about urban policy issues that were presented at conferences by Orlebeke from 1975 to1977 are present.

One entire series concerns the President’s Committee on Urban Development and Neighborhood Revitalization, established on June 30, 1976, by President Ford to research problems in urban areas and suggest solutions to improve America’s neighborhoods. Secretary of HUD Carla A. Hills chaired the Committee and Orlebeke served on it. On October 21, 1976 the Committee delivered a final report to President Ford. The collection contains Orlebeke’s extensive working files on the Committee, drafts of the Committee’s report, and a final copy of the report.

Related Materials (2009)
The Bentley Historical Library of the University of Michigan holds the Charles J. Orlebeke Papers, 1962-73, which contain topical files related to Orlebeke’s early career at HUD, prior to Ford’s presidency. The Bentley Library also holds the George Romney Papers, which include files that show Orlebeke’s work as an aide to Romney in both the gubernatorial and HUD periods.

The Ford Library holds the Michael H. Moskow Papers, 1969-1976. Moskow preceded Orlebeke as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. He held the position from 1973-75. Other related collections of interest include: James T. Lynn Papers, 1974-78 (HUD Secretary, 1973-75); Thomas Cody Papers, 1972-76 (HUD Assistant Secretary for Administration, 1974-76); David O. Meeker Papers, 1971-84 (HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, 1973-76); and Carla Hills Speeches, 1975-77 (HUD Secretary, 1975-77).