Celebrating Hispanic Leaders and a Commitment to Public Service

Housing and Community Development Official Receives Recognition During the County’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception

September 21, 2026 –  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.

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. Currently, he oversees nearly 650 full-time employees, and an annual budget of $1 billion. Under his leadership, the LACDA administers the County’s 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.

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’s 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’s 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.

As a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Salas’ 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’s Public Housing and HCV Programs have earned the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “High Performer” 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.

“Congratulations 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,” said Emilio Salas, Executive Director. “I am honored to be recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month, and to serve Los Angeles County residents that inspires me each and every day.”

Full list of honorees:

Martha Santana-Chin, Chief Executive Officer, L.A. Care Health Plan

Emilio Salas, Executive Director, Los Angeles County Development Authority

Alma Martinez, City Manager, City of El Monte

Mia Lehrer, Founder and President, Studio-MLA

Alejandro Flores, Superintendent of Schools, Rowland Unified School District

Dr. Jennifer Sandoval, Principal, Sparks Elementary School; President, Whittier City School District Board

Eliana Ibarra, Program Manager, Civic Impact, Student Life and Civic Engagement, Rio Hondo College

Citlaly Cerezo, CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program Coordinator, East Los Angeles College

David Martinez, Chairman, Buckboard Days Parade Committee

Diana Limon, Immediate Past President, Diamond Bar Women’s Club

Dr. Daniel Rojas, Policy Manager, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Executive Office

Jose R. Perez, Administrative Services Division Manager, Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services