Long Beach city auditors released a report on September 19, 2026 that identified irregularities in contracts worth millions of dollars for homeless services. The audit, overseen by City Auditor Laura Doud, concluded that the issues were significant enough to move the investigation to an outside agency for further review.
The audit covered a five‑month period during which the city allocated multi‑million‑dollar funds to various homeless service providers. Review of the contracts revealed discrepancies that the audit team described as irregularities, prompting concerns about how the money was being managed and spent.
City officials indicated that the findings represent a new development in an ongoing scrutiny of the municipality’s homeless assistance budget. For months, the allocation of resources to service providers has been examined by local stakeholders, and the audit’s conclusions add a formal layer of oversight.
In response to the report, the city has transferred the investigation to an external agency tasked with conducting a more detailed examination. The decision reflects the administration’s intent to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds designated for homeless assistance.
Auditor Doud emphasized that the purpose of the external review is to verify the integrity of the contracts and to determine whether any corrective actions are required. The outside agency will assess the procurement process, contract compliance, and the overall management of the homeless services program.
The audit’s release comes as Long Beach continues to address a growing homeless population and the associated demand for services. City leaders have pledged to maintain focus on effective spending while addressing the concerns raised by the audit. The external review is expected to produce findings that will guide future budgeting and contracting decisions for homeless services in the city.
Stakeholders awaiting the outcome of the external investigation anticipate that the results will clarify the nature of the irregularities and inform any necessary policy adjustments aimed at safeguarding public resources.