DHA: A Decade of Perfect Audits Amidst North Texas Housing Growth

DALLAS, TX – March 02, 2026 – As North Texas grapples with an ever-expanding need for affordable housing, its largest public housing authority has achieved a milestone rarely seen in public administration. DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas, announced it has received its tenth consecutive independent audit with zero findings, a testament to financial rigor in an agency managing a budget of over $419 million and serving approximately 53,500 people daily.

The clean report, issued by third-party firm CohnReznick LLP, signals a decade of meticulous bookkeeping and regulatory adherence. For an organization of DHA’s scale—the tenth largest public housing authority in the United States—this achievement stands in stark contrast to the operational complexities it navigates. The agency manages 16,251 Housing Choice Vouchers across seven counties, a task involving 389 zip codes and 612 distinct payment standards, a uniquely complex system under HUD's Small Area Fair Market Rent rules.

“We are very proud to serve seven counties across North Texas with progressive, affordable housing solutions,” said Troy Broussard, chief executive officer for DHA, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “I would like to thank our board of commissioners and our staff for their dedication, hard work, and care for the communities we serve.”

A Standard of Financial Precision

Achieving a “zero-finding” audit is more than just a clean bill of financial health; it signifies that an exhaustive review found no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or instances of noncompliance with federal regulations. The audit scrutinizes everything from financial statements and cost allocations to internal controls and cash management. This level of performance has also earned DHA the “High Performer” designation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its voucher program for ten straight years, the highest possible rating.

This sustained excellence in financial stewardship is critical for maintaining public trust and securing the federal funding necessary to address the region's housing needs. With assets valued at over $430 million, DHA's ability to demonstrate flawless management of public funds provides a stable foundation for its ambitious community-focused initiatives.

From Balance Sheets to Building Blocks

While the audit speaks to process, DHA’s newly released annual report highlights the tangible outcomes of its financial discipline. The agency is channeling its resources into significant development projects aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing. Among the most prominent are two new large-scale communities.

In the affluent Preston Hollow area of North Dallas, The Sevens is a 475-unit mixed-income family development designed to integrate affordable options into a high-opportunity neighborhood. The property boasts modern amenities, including a resort-style pool and fitness center, and has received positive feedback for its location and design. While some residents have noted challenges with management and security, the project represents a significant step toward de-concentrating poverty and offering families access to better resources.

Further south, The Culbreath, a 360-unit senior housing community, is taking shape in the historic Bonton neighborhood, addressing a critical need for quality, affordable housing for the elderly. Beyond housing, DHA has also invested in community infrastructure, funding improvements at the Major League Baseball Academy in West Dallas with new turf, netting, scoreboards, and shade covers for local youth.

Investing in People: The Opportunity Rising Model

Perhaps the most compelling story of DHA’s impact lies beyond brick and mortar. The agency’s education nonprofit, The Opportunity Rising Foundation, embodies its mission to foster self-sufficiency. In 2024, the foundation awarded 48 scholarships, bringing its total investment to $1.6 million across 1,259 scholarships since its inception.

The impact is profound. Historical data shows that 71% of Opportunity Rising scholars were the first in their families to attend college. Even more striking, 76% of past recipients have successfully transitioned to stable employment and no longer require government housing assistance, demonstrating a clear return on investment in human potential.

The foundation provides scholarships for a range of educational paths, from traditional four-year degrees to vocational schools and GED completion programs. With over half of DHA’s clients being children under 18, these educational initiatives represent a long-term strategy to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and build a more resilient community.

Navigating Growth and Past Challenges

Despite its operational and financial successes, DHA’s journey has not been without hurdles. The agency operates against the backdrop of a severe housing affordability crisis in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where demand consistently outstrips supply. This puts immense pressure on its resources and services.

Furthermore, the agency has had to learn from past missteps. In 2022, DHA settled a disability discrimination case for $500,000 stemming from a 2019 incident where it failed to accommodate a tenant’s request for a ground-floor unit. In response, DHA agreed to overhaul some policies and appoint a disability rights coordinator, an incident the agency described as “isolated” while reaffirming its commitment to protecting housing rights.

Looking forward, DHA appears focused on proactive solutions. In 2024, the agency secured a $5 million HUD Mobility Grant, a program designed to help Housing Choice Voucher families move to high-opportunity areas. By providing counseling and financial assistance, the initiative aims to give families better access to quality schools, jobs, and healthcare, addressing systemic barriers to economic mobility.

As DHA celebrates a decade of financial perfection, its true test lies in its ability to leverage that stability to meet the ever-growing human need for shelter and opportunity across North Texas. The agency's dual focus on fiscal integrity and holistic community investment provides a robust framework, but the challenges of a rapidly growing region ensure its work is far from finished.