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recent audit of the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has uncovered significant flaws in its bookkeeping and oversight of the federal housing voucher program, casting doubt on the agency's leadership and operational practices. The audit, conducted by Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates, found "material weakness" and "material noncompliance" in every major program reviewed for last year.

    The audit highlighted several critical failures, including incomplete financial records, delayed recertification of voucher holders, and inadequate documentation for applicants. Specifically, 35 out of 40 housing choice voucher files lacked required paperwork for annual recertification, potentially jeopardizing participants' assistance and risking inaccurate subsidy payments.

    Additionally, the audit revealed that nine out of 10 specialized vouchers for disabled or formerly homeless individuals lacked eligibility documentation, and 14 out of 40 families were not offered rent options to reduce financial burdens. The audit also noted persistent challenges stemming from delays in past reviews during the pandemic, which allowed systemic problems to go unaddressed for years.

    In response to growing concerns over financial mismanagement and inefficiency, the HHA board had been investigating president and CEO David Northern Sr., who resigned on Monday under an agreement that awarded him six months' salary and health insurance. Mayor John Whitmire praised the board's actions towards transparency and accountability.

    Interim leadership has been assigned to Jennine Hovell-Cox, the authority's general counsel, as the agency continues to address the backlog of issues identified in the audit. It remains unclear whether evaluations of Northern's performance and the agency's contracting practices will be completed under new leadership.