Historically, HUD program managers have not wanted to enforce program requirements. That reluctance increases the risk that program funds will not provide maximum benefits to recipients and allows serious noncompliances to go unchecked. When it was created, the Departmental Enforcement Center had independent enforcement authority, but it lost that authority when it moved from the Deputy Secretary’s office to the Office of General Counsel (OGC). DEC lost control of funding and staffing levels and contended with inadequate information technology systems and support. Although program offices were asking for more DEC financial analyses, they did not consistently use enforcement actions to remedy noncompliances. Further, managers’ reluctance to enforce program requirements limited DEC’s effectiveness in most programs. Turnover, retirements, and hiring limitations could leave DEC without enough skilled staff to support future workloads needed to service HUD programs and enforce program requirements. Risk-based monitoring and enforcement offers the opportunity to provide quality, affordable rental housing, improve the quality of life, and build strong, resilient communities.