HUD Secretary, IG Issue Authority Letter. As the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s independent internal watchdog, the HUD Inspector General sometimes produces audit findings that are at odds with existing policy or practice, causing friction between the IG and the department. Industry sources, who asked not to be named, say IG and HUD staffs are cordial but not friendly to each other. This perceived hostility has created an atmosphere of non-cooperation that sometimes interferes with the job at hand. There have been instances where HUD staff denied or sat on IG requests for information, citing national security, privacy or attorney-client privilege. Recently, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro and HUD Inspector General David Montoya issued a joint a letter calling on HUD employees to be supportive of OIG activities. “This should be a collaboration that is built on mutual respect, ... [ 3 charts ]