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Residents urge Gulfport council for forensic audit, equitable infrastructure funding and free park access
Summary
Several residents told the Gulfport council they need a forensic audit, equitable investment in majority-minority wards rather than reliance on CDBG, and action to stop harassment and perceived pay-to-enter practices at city parks.
During the public-comment portion of the Gulfport City Council meeting, a string of speakers pressed elected officials on financial transparency, equity in infrastructure spending and access to public parks.
Sandra Weiss and other residents asked for a forensic audit of city spending and a public breakdown of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME fund expenditures since 2017. Speakers representing majority-minority wards said they are repeatedly told to rely on CDBG funding, which they argued is not a substitute for direct general-fund investment. One commenter told the council the repeated referral to CDBG amounted to delay rather than commitment to equitable infrastructure.
Multiple commenters described incidents at parks where families reported being charged, asked to leave, or subjected to racialized remarks. City staff and councilmembers acknowledged the complaints; Councilwoman Hines said the city would continue to use available parks for programming and raised concerns about unacceptable behavior at park events.
Speakers asked for a compliance program, community oversight (a resident board), a public accounting of grant and HOME expenditures and an outreach plan that includes local churches and radio to ensure residents are aware of funding opportunities.
What happens next: Councilmembers heard the concerns and several asked staff to add projects to grant portals and provide follow-up materials; residents requested a detailed spending breakdown and community oversight measures.
