February 27, 2024

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath’s motion directing the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller to conduct a financial review of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors. The financial audit is intended to offer insights and opportunities to maximize public investment in our regional homeless services system overseen by LAHSA.

“Los Angeles County is moving with urgency to eliminate every hurdle that stands in the way of our success in ending the humanitarian crisis of homelessness,”said Chair Lindsey P. Horvath. “This financial audit is a proactive step to help LAHSA leadership, our Board, and importantly, the public, see where LAHSA’s fiscal operations are strong and where we have an opportunity to do better. Especially as executive financial leadership at LAHSA is changing, this audit will give incoming officers a head start on where to focus. We must dig into the details to expedite the homelessness solutions our communities deserve.”

The evaluation comes at a pivotal moment for LAHSA. Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum is approaching her one-year marker as CEO and continues to set her leadership team, including a new Chief Financial Officer. Chair Horvath; Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the motion’s co-author and Chair Horvath’s co-author on the County’s emergency declaration on homelessness; and Mayor Karen Bass have all joined the LAHSA Commission, where Chair Horvath is also Chair.

“Audits are an important tool that lead to improvement and growth,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “LAHSA has gone through a lot of change in the past year, including changes at the very top, so this is an opportune time to do an internal assessment that will continue to build on the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability. I look forward to reviewing the audit’s results.”

The LA County Auditor-Controller will lead the audit with support from the CEO in coordination with LAHSA. A report back is due before the Board in 60 days with a scope of work for the evaluation.

###