The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) says it is beginning an immediate audit of the Philadelphia Housing authority’s financial and management operations.

KYW’s Steve Tawa reports that HUD deputy secretary Ron Sims, who has made several trips to Philadelphia on a wide range of matters, wrote today to PHA chairman John Street saying his team will report back to the department within 60 days and issue its preliminary findings.

Sims says that if recommended by the HUD team, they are prepared to undertake a forensic audit.

Sims also urges the PHA not to make any new appointments or management changes, given what he calls the “sensitivity of the allegations” currently facing PHA and its leadership (see related story).

>> Read the HUD letter to PHA (pdf format)

Mayor Nutter had also called for HUD to investigate PHA activities.