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Emilio Salas — B.S., Public Administration, 2009
I Fight For Affordable Housing
Emilio Salas is the executive director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), overseeing the county's affordable housing, community, and economic development programs. He directs the Community Development Block Grant Program, the largest such urban program in the nation. Salas also manages the county’s public housing and rental subsidy programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher, Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing, and other programs. Combined, these programs create housing opportunities for over 28,000 vulnerable families throughout L.A. County.
Before entering public service, Salas served his country as a military intelligence specialist in the U.S. Army. He has worked in local government for over 30 years, leading the LACDA's operating divisions to great acclaim. Under his leadership, its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs have received the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's “High Performer” designation for over ten consecutive years. Salas currently serves as a member of the National Housing Committee for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. He has successfully advocated for major changes within federal housing programs that work to improve program access and serve the most vulnerable residents.