Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been invited to testify before a congressional panel examining the handling of federal funds for homelessness programs. The request comes from the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, which is looking into possible waste and improper use of those resources in Los Angeles.
According to LAist, the subcommittee sent a letter to Bass citing concerns about the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The letter points to reports of corruption in the agency's contracting practices and possible misdirection of federal money. Chairman Tim Burchett signed the letter, which notes that homelessness has been a persistent issue in California, particularly in downtown Los Angeles areas such as Skid Row.
The hearing is set for September 15 under the title Fixing Fraud and Failure in Federally Funded Homelessness Services. The panel has also asked for extensive records dating back to 2020, including correspondence involving the mayor's office, the authority, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
LAist reported that the authority has stated it welcomes external reviews and that prior audits have not uncovered fraud or corruption. Spokesperson Chris Yee said both internal and independent examinations have suggested operational improvements and that the agency has shown measurable progress.
The letter references earlier LAist reporting on contracts awarded by a former authority executive and on a separate federal fraud case involving a service provider. The authority is also engaged in litigation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development over a suspension from federal grant activities.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/la-mayor-karen-bass-called-to-testify-to-congress-for-fraud-hearing-on-federal-homelessness-dollars