National Association of Counties Recognizes Two Los Angeles County Programs

Awards Honor Innovative, Effective County Government Programs That Strengthen Services for County Residents



Alhambra, May 19, 2022 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) was recognized with two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Each year, the awards honor original and effective government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Counties across the country were encouraged to apply for awards in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. NACo recognized the LACDA for the following programs:

Keep LA County Dining Grant Program (Community and Economic Development Category) – Restaurants were one of the first industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, being forced to close or quickly pivot and adapt to a new business environment. In response to the crisis, the LACDA launched the Keep LA County Dining (KLACD) Grant Program in December 2020 to provide grants for restaurant owners to use for working capital including adaptations needed to remain open. Funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the KLACD Grant Program provided a $30,000 grant for restaurant owners. The overwhelming interest initially crashed the Program’s website. After it was relaunched to handle the extensive traffic flow, more than 2,500 applications were received in a matter of hours. In total, $12.3 million was allocated to KLACD and 390 grants were provided.

Rent Relief Program: Ensuring Housing Stability During COVID-19 - (Risk and Emergency Management Category) - The March 19, 2020, Stay-at-Home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus left thousands of limited means Los Angeles County tenants with significant rental debt, threat of eviction, and general concern over their housing security. To ensure that tenants received rental assistance to remain housed and prevent an increase in homelessness, the Board of Supervisors awarded the LACDA $100 million in CARES Act funds.

In response, the LACDA launched the LA County Rent Relief Program, leveraging external resources such as 211 LA, the County’s social services information and referral helpline, and partnered with 29 Community-Based Organizations (CBO) and cities that had deep connections to their communities. This successful collaboration of over 150 internal and external staff managed this large-scale Program and assisted 14,189 households with average assistance of $8,273.

Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director, said, “Although the last year proved challenging, the LACDA, along with many other County agencies, has remained dedicated to providing critical services such as Keep LA Dining and Rent Relief Programs which have helped Los Angeles County renters and businesses stay afloat. It is an honor to receive recognition from NACo for our efforts.”

Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards Program is designed to recognize new County government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received.






MEDIA CONTACT
Elisa Vasquez, PIO
elisa.vasquez@lacda.org
700 W. Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801

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MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the LACDA’s programs, please view the agency’s brochure, LACDA Connected.