Houston city leaders are calling for increased accountability after a KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) revealed questionable spending practices.
BACKGROUND:
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Investigative reporter Amy Davis examined 21 months of credit card statements and discovered that five HHA executives had charged more than half a million dollars for dining at Houston’s most upscale restaurants, hosting parties, and even enjoying massages at work. This spending occurred despite the HHA’s claims of being out of funds to provide families with rent assistance vouchers.
READ MORE: Highlights from KPRC 2 Investigates review of HHA spending
During a city council meeting on January 15th, Council Member Mary Nan Huffman expressed her concerns about the findings.
“This week I was shocked to learn about the egregious and excessive spending habits of the former executives of the Houston Housing Authority, thanks to an investigation by KPRC and Amy Davis,” Huffman said.
SEE ALSO: Taxpayer funds misused for parties, dining and travel by Houston Housing Authority heads
She called for the HHA chairman to address these issues at an upcoming council meeting to ensure such practices do not continue.
Mayor John Whitmire shared Huffman’s concerns, stating, “I share your shock and concern about the way they’ve been spending money on their entertainment and meals. That’s come to a complete halt. But they still have challenges to get back to their core mission of providing affordable housing. Transparency is going to really serve the public when it comes to that particular government body.”
The new HHA board has hired a law firm to investigate the questionable contracts and deals exposed last year. This ongoing investigation may lead to further personnel changes within the organization.
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The board aims to announce the new HHA president by the end of the month.
We will keep investigating the Houston Housing Authority as we keep getting messages from you.
Investigator Amy Davis and the team first started working on this investigation after receiving tips from viewers like you.
Email Amy at ADavis@kprc.com or producer Andrea Slaydon at ASlaydon@kprc.com if you would like to send in a tip or ask a question.
