Resident raises transparency questions about Mobile Housing Authority executive director hiring

During public comment on Feb. 24, Estella Trotter raised questions about transparency and the vetting process for the executive director of the Mobile Housing Authority.

Trotter asked whether the terminated executive director met a core requirement of at least five years of public housing experience and noted a July 12, 2024, posting that she said indicated a lack of that experience. She asked how a candidate could pass the personnel board's vetting if the board knew a candidate lacked required background and questioned whether the personnel board conducted thorough investigations of applicants.

Trotter also asked about the backgrounds of Mobile Housing Board commissioners (who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the council) and whether commissioners were qualified to hire the executive director, asserting concerns about interviews conducted without a quorum. She said she intended to pursue the matter further and requested clearer public vetting procedures.

Council did not take formal action on the housing authority issues at the meeting; Trotter said she would follow up and submit written materials.