Comptroller Lander Announces Resident Committee Audit of City Funding for NYCHA’s FY24-28 Capital Plan

New York, NY – New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced the next audit selected by the Comptroller’s New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Resident Audit Committee will be a review of the allocation and spending of City funding for NYCHA’s Fiscal Year 2024-2028 Capital Plan. This audit marks the third NYCHA audit chosen by the Comptroller’s “resident-powered” audit process, which first convened in the fall of 2022.  The first Resident Audit Committee chose to audit NYCHA contractor repair work and eviction rates at RAD/PACT developments in 2024.

The second iteration of the Resident Audit Committee selected to audit the $3.18 billion in City funding following complaints of a lack of transparency about how it is being allocated. The Comptroller’s Bureau of Audit will review earmarked projects for the FY2024-2028 Capital Plan, how NYCHA determined which projects to fund, and what NYCHA has spent to-date.

“Residents are the unequivocal experts of their homes and the buildings they live in, so their knowledge should be an integral part of the NYCHA oversight process,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “With delayed repairs and services comes increased scrutiny of how NYCHA is allocating and spending their money. Fortunately, NYCHA put forth a very detailed four-year Capital Plan that my office can dig into and assess if NYCHA is delivering for their tenants.”

“New York City agencies have a responsibility to deliver for New Yorkers who depend on their services every day; our resident-powered audits bring that uniquely into focus,” said Maura Hayes-Chaffe, Deputy Comptroller for Audit. “This year’s resident committee was very focused on NYCHA’s fiscal oversight. All New Yorkers deserve to know if public funding is being spent wisely – especially when it’s meant to directly improve your living conditions. The Audit Bureau looks forward to working with NYCHA and the resident committee to help answer that question.”

The Comptroller’s Office keeps a close eye on NYCHA’s operational and management issues, putting the authority on a “watch list” to face more frequent scrutiny. In his first year in office, Comptroller Lander initiated the resident-powered audit process with the goal of incorporating resident voices and experiences into the oversight and accountability process at NYCHA. Like the first series of resident audits, town halls hosted by the Comptroller’s Office in the winter of 2024-25 and resident surveys informed the list of potential audits that this year’s committee could vote for.

“I am glad to have a seat at the table alongside Comptroller Lander and his team for the second Resident Audit Committee. The first committee revealed NYCHA’s lack of transparency regarding evictions, contractors, and vendors. This year we’ll delve into how the City is spending NYCHA’s budget. This is huge because when we follow the money, truths are revealed and changes can be made. Thanks to the Comptroller and his team, residents of NYCHA – who are the backbone of this city – are getting the recognition they deserve. Everyone deserves a descent place to live and rest their heads as we too navigate this tumultuous journey called life,” said Brenda Temple, resident of Oceanside Apartments and Resident Audit Committee Member.

“I am honored to sit in the NYCHA Resident Audit Committee, under the leadership of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. It’s important that Tenant Association Presidents should have a voice in this matter. NYCHA should be transparent about how the City’s money is being spent. No one is above the law,” said Rev. Carmen Hernandez, TA President of 1471-73 Watson Ave Resident Council Inc. and Resident Audit Committee member.

###