$7.7 Million Awarded for Lead Hazard Reduction

Funds to Augment the County’s Live Lead-Free Program

October 21, 2024 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is pleased to announce that it received a funding award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) earlier this month, in the amount of $7.7 million, to remediate lead-based paint and housing-related health and safety hazards from homes, ensuring the safety of children, residents, and families. The funds will be used to remediate these hazards in 125 pre-1978 single and multifamily properties in specific areas of the First, Second, and Fourth Supervisorial Districts.

The LACDA is currently operating a Live Lead-Free Program targeting pre-1978 properties in the same communities. This funding will allow the Program to continue, which covers all costs associated with remediation and clearance of enrolled homes, at no cost to the property owners. The Live Lead-Free Program is operated in partnership with the County’s Department of Public Health and Consumer and Business Affairs, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Housing Rights Center, participating cities, community and faith-based organizations, regional apartment associations, and educational institutions to establish ongoing workforce training programs for lead abatement technicians.

“Research has proven that the consequences of lead exposure include permanent health implications, with young children being especially at-risk, due to potential impacts on the development of the central nervous system,” stated Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “We are thankful to our partners and to HUD for collaborating and allowing us to help eliminate housing-related health and safety hazards as we endeavor to meet our mission to Build Better Lives and Better Neighborhoods.”

The funding award from HUD coincides with the observation of the 25th National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), October 20-26, 2024, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NLPPW brings together individuals, organizations, industry, and State, tribal, and local governments to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness to reduce childhood exposure to lead. Information on NLPPW tools, resources, and events is on the NLPPW’s homepage. The LACDA is pleased to do its part in reducing the exposure to lead among vulnerable populations, including children.

For more information about the LACDA’s Live Lead-Free, please visit liveleadfree.org or call (626) 586-1790.