T
he Houston Housing Authority has concluded its investigation into former CEO David Northern Jr. as part of a separation agreement following his resignation. The agency will not pursue or continue inquiries into Northern's conduct, including his role in the multi-million-dollar air conditioning initiative that drew criticism from tenants and raised concerns about financial oversight and accountability.

    As part of the severance package, Northern will receive six months' salary and benefits, plus payouts for unused leave time. His base salary was $278,500, though it may have been higher at the time of his departure. The agreement also bars Northern from suing or disparaging the agency, while preventing the authority from issuing findings related to his tenure.

    The investigation centered on a $5.4 million project to install air conditioning units in public housing complexes, which was originally budgeted at $2.2 million but ballooned in cost due to concerns over financial oversight and accountability. Northern's resignation is the latest challenge for the HHA, which has faced federal audits revealing widespread problems with financial recordkeeping, voucher programs, and waitlist management.

    Northern has resigned from leadership roles at housing authorities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Philadelphia, citing a culture of "bullying and harassment" in one instance. The housing authority has not publicly commented on the agreement.