Ward 3 residents ask Gulfport council for forensic audit of CDBG and HOME funds

A Ward 3 resident pressed the Gulfport City Council on Feb. 20 to order a forensic audit and a public forum after saying low- and moderate-income residents have waited years for CDBG and HOME assistance.

"The Citizens of Ward 3 continue to suffer discrimination due to long wait awaiting funds for the CDBG grant and HOME funds," Sandra Weich told the council during the citizen comment period, reading a prepared statement. She asked the council to conduct a forensic audit of CDBG and HOME funds for 2017–2024 and requested that a HUD staff member host a public hearing so affected residents could testify directly.

Weich said many residents submitted names and contact information and that, in February 2026, the city learned "internal applications were mailed or picked up by selected citizens only." She asked for additional funding for emergency housing repairs, sidewalks, sewer repairs, senior facilities and youth job training and urged the council to ensure committee representation for low- and moderate-income residents.

Council response and context: The presiding officer did not commit the council to an immediate audit during the meeting. Councilmember Sellers asked the mayor to provide an update on the CDBG program in a future report; the mayor agreed to include an update in his next report or the following meeting. No city official provided a substantive public rebuttal to the specific selection allegation during the meeting.

Why it matters: Community members and program beneficiaries say delays and selective application handling have delayed essential repairs and funding for vulnerable residents. A forensic audit would examine financial records and distribution procedures; the council did not vote on an audit at the meeting.

Next steps: The mayor agreed to include a CDBG update in an upcoming report. Residents requested a HUD staff-led public hearing; no date or commitment was recorded in the council minutes.