County Receives National Recognition in Three Distinct Categories

Efforts to Provide Renter and Business Relief Put the Los Angeles County Development Authority in the Spotlight

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) was recently recognized with two Awards of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) as well as an Award of Excellence from the National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED). The agency awards recognize best practices in housing and community development. The LACDA was recognized for the following project and programs:

Collaborative Rent Relief for Los Angeles County Residents (Affordable Housing Category) – In response to California’s State-mandated Stay-at-Home Orders, which left thousands of Los Angeles County tenants facing possible homelessness, the LACDA launched a $100 million Rent Relief Program.  The Program was a collaborative effort that included the County’s social services information and referral helpline, 211 LA, local cities, and 29 community-based organizations. This effort proved crucial in reviewing applications, obtaining documents, and processing rental assistance payments. Ultimately, the Program assisted 14,189 Los Angeles County households with an average assistance of $8,273.

Rallying Behind Local Businesses During the Pandemic (Community Revitalization Category) – The County’s small businesses saw tremendous hardship and experienced several challenges to continue operations during the peak of the pandemic. Recognizing these barriers, the LACDA quickly created the Small Business Emergency Relief Program. The Program sought to provide assistance tailored to the needs of small businesses, such as child-care providers, restaurants, retail shops, and others. Using funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and in collaboration with 17 participating cities, the LACDA administered the Program and disbursed more than $90 million in grants to 6,112 grantees and an additional $12 million in loans to 208 businesses.

NACCED 2022 Award of Excellence (Innovation Category) – The agency’s Cities Small Business Grant (SBG) Program received recognition for its efforts in disbursing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during the pandemic. The LACDA used an innovative approach that featured intergovernmental collaboration between the LACDA and 17 participating cities. Cities were asked to market the Program to their business community, meanwhile the LACDA took on the duties of Program development, administration, and execution of grant agreements. The Program disbursed $2.8 million in grant awards to 278 businesses.

Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director said, “We are honored by these award recognitions of our programs. NAHRO and NACCED appreciate that our residents are our priority – whether it be through providing crucial housing assistance, or ensuring their small businesses continue to thrive in their community. We are proud to be at their service.”