A Word From Emilio
I’m proud to serve the LACDA as Executive Director, a role I’ve had since 2021, although I first came to the agency over 35 years ago. During my tenure, I have seen how the LACDA has evolved to become a trusted agency and industry leader, often called upon for our ability to quickly deliver programs that address local community development, housing and economic needs, such as the numerous programs that we launched to address the impact left by the pandemic among County residents and businesses.
I am honored to lead a team of professionals, staff who are mission driven and understand the great responsibility they have been entrusted with to deliver critical services with compassion and integrity. We accept and understand that being part of the LACDA family means taking care of our larger County family, and staff at all levels are willing to commit themselves to helping address local needs.
We are also proud to be an important part of the County’s housing ecosystem and understand the urgency that exists in the County to provide affordable housing opportunities to vulnerable populations. We acknowledge that the County faces many challenges, but we are steadfast in our efforts to help residents and businesses reach their full potential, and communities throughout Los Angeles County thrive.
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