(b) (1) “Affirmatively further fair housing” means to take meaningful actions, in addition to actions aimed at combating discrimination, to:

(i) overcome patterns of segregation; and

(ii) foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to housing and opportunity based on protected characteristics.

(2) “Affirmatively further fair housing” includes to take meaningful actions that, taken together:

(i) address significant disparities in housing needs and access to opportunity;

(ii) replace segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns;

(iii) transform racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity; and

(iv) foster and maintain compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws.

(c) “Meaningful action” means a significant action that is designed and can be reasonably expected to achieve a material positive change by, for example, increasing fair housing choice or decreasing disparities in access to opportunity.