Housing and Community Development Official Receives Recognition During the County\u2019s Annual<\/p>\n
Hispanic Heritage Month Reception<\/p>\n
Los Angeles County, September 21, 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Emilio Salas, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), was recognized for his 35 years of affordable housing leadership and his dedication to public service at the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception, hosted by the Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. The annual reception, held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, celebrates individuals and organizations whose leadership, heritage, and contributions reflect the strength and resilience of the Latino community.<\/p>\n Since 1988, Mr. Salas has held multiple key roles at the LACDA and was appointed Executive Director on January 5, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, after serving as Acting Executive Director since December 2019.\u00a0Currently, he oversees nearly 650 full-time employees, and an annual budget of $1 billion. Under his leadership, the LACDA administers the County\u2019s Public Housing and rental subsidy programs that create housing opportunities for over 30,000 vulnerable families, as well as the first-time homebuyer programs, affordable housing development financing and preservation, and the largest urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in the nation.<\/p>\n Just half a decade into his role, Mr. Salas has also successfully led the LACDA through uncharted territory. During the pandemic, the LACDA launched 12 different COVID-19 emergency relief programs offering nearly $200 million in assistance for a variety of needs for vulnerable residents and struggling small businesses. Nearly four years to the day that Mr. Salas was sworn in as Executive Director, his expertise and dedicated LACDA workforce were urgently called upon to help during the County\u2019s wildfire recovery efforts in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the LACDA launched the Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Small Business Program, which awarded 14 small businesses with a cumulative total investment of over $1 million in capital assistance and helped address lease payments, payroll, inventory replacement, and other operational needs to remain open and retain jobs during the recovery period. Additionally, the LACDA\u2019s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, the CDBG Program, the Emergency Solutions Program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and the Continuum of Care Program also helped fire-impacted households and businesses get assistance rapidly.<\/p>\n As a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Salas\u2019 genuine commitment, compassion, and loyalty to public service is deeply rooted and continues to shine through his work with the LACDA. During his tenure at the agency, the LACDA has financed thousands of newly constructed affordable housing units that focus on marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. Under his leadership, the LACDA\u2019s Public Housing and HCV Programs have earned the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u2019s \u201cHigh Performer\u201d designations, and he has served as a Board Member for the California Association of Housing Authorities and, in October 2022, was appointed to the Advisory Committee for the California Interagency Council on Homelessness.<\/p>\n \n \u201cCongratulations to all of my fellow honorees, I am grateful to be surrounded amongst leaders that provide cultural pride, advocate to expand opportunities, and work together to elevate others,\u201d said Emilio Salas, Executive Director. \u201cI am honored to be recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month, and to serve Los Angeles County residents that inspires me each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Full list of honorees:<\/p>\n\n\n
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