Rhode Island Faces Scrutiny Over Housing Payments

News Summary

Rhode Island’s new Secretary of Housing, Deborah Goddard, is under fire for $173,201.86 in consulting payments made through unrelated contractors. These payments lack clarity on the state’s Transparency Portal, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in state spending. Following a high-cost records request, her leadership amidst these issues will be crucial as she aims to tackle the state’s housing crisis by creating 15,000 new homes by 2030, while gaining both criticism and support from housing advocates.

Rhode Island is facing scrutiny over consulting payments made to Deborah Goddard, who was appointed as the state’s fourth head of housing in four years on November 21, 2024. Goddard has received a total of $173,201.86 in consulting payments over the past three years, which were not made directly from the Department of Housing but instead through unrelated contractors. These payments were not clear or visible on the state’s Transparency Portal, raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of state spending.

The payments to Goddard, made through a Missouri tech company named IRG, were structured in a way that seemingly circumvents public bidding processes and disclosure requirements, prompting further investigation into the matter. The complexity of the contractor arrangements has sparked criticism and calls for more straightforward and transparent practices within state departments.

Following these revelations, an Access to Public Records Act (APRA) request was filed by GoLocal, seeking documents related to Goddard’s consulting work. The state’s response to the request came with a hefty demand for $30,390, marking this as one of the most expensive APRA requests filed thus far. The high cost of accessing these documents has raised questions regarding the accessibility of public information and the state’s commitment to transparency.

On March 6, 2025, Goddard’s appointment as Secretary of the Department of Housing received Senate confirmation with 32 votes in favor and one abstention. Although five senators were absent for the vote, including key members unavailable due to hospitalization, Goddard’s extensive background in housing proved influential in securing her position. She brings over 40 years of experience from both the public and private sectors, including her role as Executive Vice President for Capital Projects at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) from 2016 to 2019. During her tenure at NYCHA, she dealt with various housing controversies, including issues surrounding mold and heating failures.

Goddard is expected to lead initiatives aimed at addressing Rhode Island’s housing crisis. Her plans include the ambitious goal of creating 15,000 new homes by 2030, an effort that aligns with broader state objectives to increase affordable housing. Recently, the Rhode Island government awarded $27 million in tax credits for six income-restricted housing projects, further emphasizing the state’s commitment to expanding affordable housing options.

Despite the controversies surrounding her consulting payments, Goddard has garnered support from housing advocates who commend her collaborative approach to housing issues. Advocates argue that her leadership is crucial for steering the Department of Housing in a positive direction. The recent scrutiny over the financial dealings within the department, however, casts a shadow over her proposed initiatives and raises questions about the integrity of the processes in place.

As Rhode Island grapples with its housing challenges, Goddard’s leadership will be closely monitored, especially as concerns regarding transparency and accountability continue to mount. The state will need to ensure that its housing initiatives not only address the critical need for affordable housing but also maintain public trust through open and clear practices in government funding and expenditures.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Rhode Island Current
• Brown Daily Herald
• Providence Journal
• Boston Globe
• WPRI
• Wikipedia: Rhode Island