WASHINGTON – Mel Martinez has resigned as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. His resignation is effective at noon on Dec. 12. Martinez assumed the responsibilities of HUD's 12th secretary on Jan. 24, 2001. Among some of HUD's achievements under his leadership have been: the launching of the Blueprint for the American Dream Partnership; the Department announcing reforms to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA); the development of 16 rules to address deceptive or fraudulent lending practices; the launching of "America's Affordable Communities Initiative"; and several other initiatives to make affordable housing more available, to improve public housing and streamline the management and accountability of the Department. In announcing his resignation, Martinez acknowledged what he said has been "a great privilege to serve in the President's Cabinet and lead the 9,300 hard-working employees of HUD.Together we have expanded homeownership opportunities to more Americans and helped countless others find affordable housing in the communities of their choice."