What Los Angeles County Development Authority does

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is a public government agency established in 1982, governed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors acting as its Board of Commissioners. The agency administers federally funded housing and community development programs — including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing (3,229 units across 68 properties serving more than 6,000 residents), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, and the Emergency Solutions Grant — across unincorporated Los Angeles County and 47 participating cities, making it the largest urban County CDBG program in the nation. LACDA serves over 30,000 vulnerable families including very low-income individuals and families, seniors aged 62+, veterans, homeless individuals and families, transition-age foster youth, and persons with special needs or disabilities. Funding derives approximately 70% from the Federal government (63% from HUD alone), supplemented by County general funds, local affordable housing trust funds, and pass-through coordination with LAHSA for homeless services.

The agency's product surface is predominantly programmatic rather than technology-driven. Its principal technology assets are administrative: the Rent Cafe Portal (Section 8 tenants, owners, and Public Housing residents), a Grants Management System for CDBG service providers, a Public Records Portal (CPRA), and the OpenGov e-Procurement platform launched in October 2025. The UserWay Web Accessibility Widget supports WCAG 2.1 compliance, and a sub-brand (Lead Free Homes LA) extends into lead paint remediation. Sub-brands and subsidiaries include the Southern California Home Financing Authority (SCHFA) for tax-exempt multifamily housing bonds and the Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation (LACDF). LACDA also acts as pass-through administrator, channeling Emergency Solutions Grant funds to LAHSA which in turn distributes to nonprofit shelter operators.

LACDA's business model is grant-based government program administration rather than commercial sales. Revenue (appropriated funding) flows from HUD entitlements and grants (63%), other federal sources, County general funds for specific developments (e.g., $3.4M for Miramar Gold Apartments), and local affordable housing trust funds (e.g., $5M for Lakeland, $3M for The Cielo). Pricing is effectively zero to end beneficiaries, with nominal fees only on ancillary services ($0.15/page for public records copies; up to $20,000 Senior Grant Program; up to $9,000 Handyworker Grant). The FY2026-2027 budget is approximately $1 billion with a staff of 648 FTEs distributed across the Housing Assistance, Housing Management, Community Development, Housing Development & Preservation, Construction & Asset Management, Finance & Budget, IT, and Public Affairs & Communications divisions. LACDA has been HUD-designated as a High Performer for 14 consecutive years across both Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, and has received consecutive GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards.

Name

Los Angeles County Development Authority

Legal name

Los Angeles County Development Authority

Website

https://lacda.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is a public county agency that administers HUD-funded housing and community development programs — Section 8 vouchers, Public Housing, CDBG, HOME, and ESG — serving over 30,000 vulnerable families across unincorporated Los Angeles County and 47 participating cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Housing Services

NAICS

Administration of Housing Programs (92511), Administration of Urban Planning and Community and Rural Development (92512), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (9251)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Non-Operating Establishments (9995), Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG, Place-Based Initiatives) (BPAIANAE), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO)

Keywords

• Public housing administration
• Affordable housing programs
• Community development services
• Housing assistance vouchers
• Homelessness prevention services

Headquarters

HQ city

Alhambra

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Federal Government Funding: The majority of LACDA's funding comes from the Federal government, with approximately 70% of total funding from federal sources. Of this, 63% comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through entitlements, allocations, and grants. Funding supports subsidized housing, housing development and preservation, and community development programs.
2. HUD Housing Programs: Funding from HUD for housing programs including Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs.
3. County General Funds: County funding for housing development projects such as the Miramar Gold Apartments ($3.4 million investment for construction and permanent financing).
4. Affordable Housing Trust Funds: Local affordable housing trust funds used for financing housing developments like the Lakeland Apartments ($5 million) and The Cielo ($3 million).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Los Angeles County Development Authority is a public government agency that administers federal and local housing and community development programs on behalf of Los Angeles County. Its core offerings include the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing across 63 developments, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, the Emergency Solutions Grant, homelessness assistance programs, and home repair grant programs for low-moderate income residents.

Product overview

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) operates as a government housing and community development agency offering a portfolio of housing assistance, community development, and special needs housing programs. Core programs include the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing (63 developments across 68 properties), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. The agency provides the Rent Cafe Portal as its primary online tenant/owner portal for Section 8 and Public Housing residents. Additional offerings include home improvement grants (Handyworker Program up to $9,000, Senior Grant Program up to $20,000), homelessness assistance programs (VASH, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Continuum of Care), and special needs housing financing. The agency also administers the Southern California Home Financing Authority and provides partner-facing systems including the Grants Management System and Public Records Portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rent Cafe: Online portal for Section 8 tenants, owners, and Public Housing residents to assist with communication, receive notifications, and conduct transactions online.
• Lead Free Homes LA
• Live Lead-Free

Products and services

• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Federal rental subsidy program under which very low-income individuals, elderly persons, and disabled persons receive vouchers to rent residences on the private market, administered by LACDA in unincorporated Los Angeles County and participating cities.
• Public Housing Program Federal program providing affordable rental housing in LACDA-owned and managed public housing developments for eligible very low-income individuals and families, comprising over 3,229 units across 68 properties serving over 6,000 residents.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Federal grant program administered by LACDA as the largest Urban County CDBG Program in the nation, funding infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, public services, and economic development initiatives across unincorporated LA County and 47 participating cities.
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program Federal program investing HOME funds to finance affordable housing construction, rehabilitation, and preservation for low-income families, with over $355.8 million invested since 1992 and a 5.1x leveraging ratio generating $1.22 billion in local housing investments.
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Federal HUD grant administered by LACDA to fund homeless services including street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention, distributed through LAHSA to nonprofit agencies operating shelter programs.
• Homelessness Assistance Programs Suite of programs assisting homeless individuals, families, and veterans in securing stable housing, including Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Emergency Housing Vouchers, Continuum of Care, and Public Housing Homeless Preference.
• Handyworker Grant Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30,000 vulnerable families served through housing programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 211LAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with 211LA referral service for connecting residents to housing and community resources.
• Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty department partnership for consumer protection and business affairs services.
• Los Angeles County Department of Economic OpportunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty department partnership for economic opportunity initiatives.
• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinating body for homeless services in Los Angeles County. LACDA passes through Emergency Solutions Grant funding to LAHSA which distributes to nonprofit agencies operating shelter programs.
• California Department of Developmental ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing direct housing assistance referrals for persons with developmental disabilities.
• The Whole ChildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead service provider at Lakeland Apartments providing physical and mental health services, life skill training, employment support, and wellness programs to residents.
• Los Angeles County Department of Health ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with The Whole Child at Lakeland Apartments to provide health services to residents.
• Los Angeles County Housing Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit affordable housing developer administered by LACDA for financing and developing affordable housing.
• Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Emancipated Foster Youth Transitional Housing program providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services for former foster youth.
• Los Angeles County Department of ProbationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in transitional housing programs for emancipated foster youth.
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in transitional housing programs providing mental health services for emancipated foster youth and special needs populations.
• Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation (LACDF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization created to inspire and provide positive life-changing opportunities to LACDA's Public Housing residents and Section 8 participants. Provides scholarship program for resident students.
• Bank of AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBank of America Housing Challenge jury member Lynn Katano from LACDA participates in affordable housing development training.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLACDA staff serves as juror for LISC Housing Development Training Institute.
• Housing Rights CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFair housing resource partner providing non-discrimination information and housing rights services to LA County residents.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): LAHSA is the lead homeless services planning agency for LA County, receiving Emergency Solutions Grant pass-through funding from LACDA. It shares overlapping client populations (homeless individuals and families) and coordinates Continuum of Care programming with LACDA.
• Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA): HACLA is the city-level counterpart to LACDA in the same metro, administering Section 8 HCV and Public Housing within the City of Los Angeles. The two agencies split geographic responsibility in LA County and operate directly comparable housing assistance programs.
• District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA): DCHA administers federal housing programs in Washington, D.C., with an explicit focus on HCV, public housing, and supportive housing. LACDA's Housing Assistance Division Director previously served at DCHA, underscoring programmatic and operational similarity.
• San Francisco Housing Authority: SFHA administers federal housing programs for San Francisco, including HCV and public housing. It is directly comparable as a county-equivalent urban housing authority operating in a high-cost California market.

Broad incumbents

• New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): NYCHA is the largest public housing authority in the U.S., operating a portfolio of public housing and administering Section 8 at city scale. It is directly comparable to LACDA on program mix, federal funding reliance, and aging-stock management challenges.
• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): CHA is a large urban housing authority administering HCV, public housing, and affordable housing development. Its program mix, HUD funding structure, and supportive housing initiatives parallel LACDA's operations in a major U.S. metro.

Others

• Southern California Home Financing Authority (SCHFA): SCHFA is actually a subsidiary of LACDA that issues tax-exempt and taxable multifamily housing bonds in Southern California. Listed as a related-entity peer given its close operational and governance ties to LACDA's housing development mission.

Regional players

• Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino: HACSB administers Section 8 and public housing in San Bernardino County, neighboring LA County. Comparable program mix and regional context make it a useful peer, though operating in a smaller, lower-cost market.
• Riverside County Housing Authority: Riverside County's housing authority administers Section 8 and public housing programs in adjacent Riverside County. The Inland Empire geography and overlapping HUD funding streams make it a relevant regional peer.
• Orange County Housing Authority: OCHA administers federal housing programs for Orange County, CA, including HCV and affordable housing development. Its program structure and Southern California geography make it a natural regional peer to LACDA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LACDevAuthority
• Facebookfacebook.com/LACDevAuthority
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/los-angeles-county-development-authority

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles County Development Authority