A KPRC 2 investigation into the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has exposed a series of questionable contracts and projects, prompting calls for accountability from the public.
PREVIOUS: Houston Housing Authority project costs soar to $5.4 million
Now, Investigator Amy Davis uncovered changes to the CEO’s contract before the old one expired.
How is the Houston Housing Authority funded?
The Houston Housing Authority, although not a city or county department, is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, the authority’s decisions have significant impacts on the city of Houston. The mayor of Houston is responsible for appointing the HHA Board of Commissioners, which oversees the operations of the housing authority.
David Northern, the CEO of the Houston Housing Authority, declined to answer questions about recent developments. He does not report directly to Houston’s current mayor, John Whitmire, but to the HHA Board of Commissioners.
RELATED: KPRC 2 Investigates uncovers bizarre business linked to HHA contracts
These commissioners were appointed by former Mayor Sylvester Turner, who was in office when Northern was hired as CEO in 2022.
Changes to CEO agreement
Northern’s original employment contract, obtained by KPRC 2, outlined a $278,500 salary with a four-year term. If terminated for cause—such as failure to perform duties, dishonesty, or gross misconduct—he would receive no additional compensation beyond the time worked.
However, in August 2023, just 19 months into his contract, Chairman LaRence Snowden and Northern amended the agreement.
MORE: $766K for unfinished park project: KPRC 2 Investigates Houston Housing Authority
The new terms extended Northern’s contract by another year, pushing the end date to January 2027, and introduced more favorable conditions for Northern. Other contract changes include:
- Under the amended contract, Northern’s retirement becomes 100% vested after three years.
- Furthermore, if fired for cause, he would now receive three months’ pay plus benefits.
- If terminated without cause, Northern is entitled to his full remaining salary and benefits for the contract’s duration, or until he finds new employment.
- This revised deal was signed on August 15, 2023. Click here to see new board.
In February 2024, Mayor Whitmire removed Snowden and four other commissioners from the HHA Board, citing concerns about financial mismanagement and a lack of leadership. Despite these changes, the newly appointed board remains bound by Northern’s amended contract.
Attempts to reach David Northern, LaRence Snowden, and former Mayor Sylvester Turner for comments on the contract amendments were unsuccessful. None returned calls or emails.
