County's Section 8 Program Receives Federal High Performer Designation

Los Angeles County Development Authority Obtains Top Housing Assistance Assessment Score

November 12, 2024 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) received a High Performer designation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under HUD’s Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). The LACDA was evaluated on 14 key performance indicators including timely annual reexaminations of family income, timely annual housing quality inspections, ensuring usage of all available Housing Choice Vouchers, expanding housing choice outside areas of poverty concentration, and enrollment of families in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. SEMAP enables HUD to better manage the Section 8 Tenant-Based Program by identifying capabilities and deficiencies related to the administration of the Section 8 Program.

The final score of 145 out of 145 possible points resulted in a High Performer designation for the LACDA. The agency has a strong history of receiving a High Performer rating from HUD not only for its Section 8 Program but also for its Public Housing Program which received a top rating with a total score of 98 out of 100 earlier this year. As the second largest Public Housing Agency in Southern California, the LACDA administers over 30,000 rental subsidies for eligible individuals and families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities living in unincorporated Los Angeles County and participating cities and operates a Public Housing Program consisting of 2,962 units located at 63 properties throughout the County.

The credit to achieving a High Performer rating is attributed to the LACDA’s Housing Assistance Division staff who work diligently to ensure the agency’s Section 8 Program remains in compliance by adhering to all requirements outlined by HUD, such as completing annual reexaminations of program eligibility, unit inspections, and administering housing assistance programs.

“The fact that the LACDA continues to receive a High Performer rating for both Section 8 and the Public Housing Programs demonstrates the commitment from staff across all levels who believe and remain committed to uplifting our mission to Build Better Lives and Better Neighborhoods,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “We are proud to receive HUD’s High Performer designation, which demonstrates our ability to manage all phases of operations and places the agency in a position to obtain even higher goals.”