A Word From Emilio

 

Although just appointed Executive Director in 2021, I have been with the agency for over 33 years.  During my tenure, I have watched the LACDA family construct a strong agency foundation built on a commitment to service, fiscal efficiency, and ingenuity.  Our team has never shied away from leading the efforts to address local needs, and create opportunities to help residents and businesses reach their full potential, and communities throughout Los Angeles County continue to thrive.

Whether you are a program participant, existing or potential partner, or someone simply looking to see what the LACDA has to offer, I encourage you to reach out and discuss your questions with one of our team members.  We are here to help, and if by chance we are unable to assist your specific needs, our staff will do what we can to link you to County resources that may be available.  We are only a click away.

Emilio S

 

 

Biography

 

Emilio Salas was appointed Executive Director of the LACDA on January 5, 2021, after having served as Acting Executive Director since December 2019. As Executive Director, Mr. Salas oversees approximately 600 full-time employees and an annual budget in excess of $962.9 million. Mr. Salas has worked for the agency since 1988.

Mr. Salas oversees the County’s Public Housing and rental subsidy programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher, Continuum of Care, Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, Emergency Housing Vouchers, and other affordable and special needs housing programs.  These programs combined create housing opportunities for over 30,000 vulnerable families throughout Los Angeles County.  The LACDA also provides financing for the development of special needs affordable housing, homeownership opportunities to first-time homebuyers, and administers the largest urban County Community Development Block Grant Program in the nation.

Mr. Salas has led the LACDA’s operating Divisions to obtain noteworthy achievements to include its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs receiving the designation of High Performer by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 12 consecutive years.   


He has played an integral role in the County’s efforts to eliminate homelessness by removing barriers and creating greater accessibility to Federal housing resources and eliminating jurisdictional boundaries for County residents.

Under his leadership, the LACDA has financed the development of thousands of newly constructed units, with an emphasis on serving the most vulnerable populations such as persons experiencing homelessness, transition aged youth, and survivors of human trafficking.

Mr. Salas has served as a Board Member for the California Association of Housing Authorities and is a former member of the National Housing Committee for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.  In October 2022, Mr. Salas was appointed to serve on the Advisory Committee for the California Interagency Council on Homelessness. He has also proudly served his country as a Military Intelligence Specialist in the United States Army, where he received specialized training in human intelligence collection and also served overseas.

A proud alumni of California State University, Dominguez Hills, Mr. Salas graduated with honors and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Personnel Administration. 


CONTACT EMILIO:  executive.director@lacda.org