HUD Probes Travel Expenses of Former CEO Ivory Mathews
Federal inspectors are reviewing travel reimbursements for former Home Forward leader Ivory Mathews.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Business Travel
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development inspector general is investigating travel expenses for former Home Forward CEO Ivory Mathews. The inquiry, which staff were informed of on May 19, 2026, focuses on reimbursements for trips including a 2024 Hawaii visit.
Why it matters
Federal and state investigations seek to determine if travel expenditures and reimbursements were appropriate or if conflicts of interest occurred during Mathews' tenure. Home Forward is conducting its own internal inquiry to review practices following the departure of its former executive.
Home Forward spent over $25,000 on trips to Hawaii during a four-year period. Ivory Mathews previously received a $171,000 severance package and had an annual salary of $342,849.
The players
Ivory Mathews
She is the former CEO of Home Forward who was hired as the executive director of the Pittsburgh Housing Authority in September 2026.
Home Forward
This is the public housing authority based in Portland, Oregon, that is currently under federal and state investigation regarding travel expenditures.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
This federal agency oversees housing assistance and its inspector general office conducts independent audits and investigations into potential misuse of funds.
Oregon Government Ethics Commission
This state agency enforces government ethics laws to ensure public officials do not use their positions for personal gain.
Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
This municipal agency provides affordable housing options and appointed Ivory Mathews as its executive director.
The details
Home Forward staff have been instructed to preserve records as attorneys assist with the agency's internal inquiry. Separately, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission is examining whether Mathews violated state conflict-of-interest laws during her time leading the Portland-based agency.
Timeline
Home Forward established its insurance group in 2021.
Ivory Mathews traveled to Hawaii in October 2024.
Home Forward informed staff of the federal inquiry on May 19, 2026.
The Pittsburgh Housing Authority hired Mathews in September 2026.
A Portland City Council committee considers board appointments on October 21, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The inquiry into agency travel spending follows the enforcement of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission's conflict-of-interest statutes. This examination aligns with increased regulatory scrutiny of how public housing authorities manage discretionary travel budgets.
Residents may see changes in board appointments and oversight at Home Forward following the current federal and state inquiries. The agency has already implemented a policy to stop sending staff to Hawaii for the remainder of this year.
The takeaway
Public agencies are under increasing pressure to justify travel expenses that appear disconnected from core mission requirements. Maintaining transparent record-keeping processes is essential for officials managing public funds.
Further reading
For more context on how local agencies manage professional travel, visit the Portland Business Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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