About Us, Media Center|

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES TO START ITS EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM TODAY!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2020
Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza 213.808.8658
Email: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
TWO DAYS LEFT ON THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES’
EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
to assist Los Angeles renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Ann Sewill, announced today the implementation of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Subsidy Program (ERAS) is in progress. There are two (2) days left, the application period closes at 11:59 PM on July 17, 2020.

To assist LA’s tenants and rental property owners affected by the current COVID-19 health pandemic, LA City Council President Nury Martinez, Mayor Eric Garcetti, the LA City Council, and HCIDLA, created the Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy Programthe largest COVID-related emergency rental assistance program in the nation. The program allocates $103,000,000 to provide a rent subsidy for low-income tenants in the City of Los Angeles who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The subsidy is anticipated to assist an estimated 50,000 Los Angeles households. It will provide a grant of up to $1,000 per month, with a maximum grant of $2,000 per household, and will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the tenant. Eligible tenants are those whose household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Households must meet the program requirements to pre-qualify for renters assistance: 

  • households who reside in multi family rental units in the City of Los Angeles,
  • selected applicants will be required to provide proof of tenancy, 
  • total household income of all adults, 18 years of age or older, living in the home, with total annual incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)* level prior to March 13, 2020; and,
2019 Income Limits
Number of persons in household: 12345678
Combined Income:$58,450  $66,800  $75,150  $83,500  $90,200  $96,900  $103,550  $110,250   

*(Source: US Dept of Housing and Urban Development)

  • households can provide documentation that they have suffered a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19.

It is anticipated that the number of applications for a rent subsidy will far exceed available funding, therefore all applications submitted during the application period that meet all  requirements listed above will be placed in a  random selection system  to determine which households will go forward in the application process for  the rent subsidy. 

City of Los Angeles tenants may apply at the HCIDLA website at hcidla.lacity.org through 11:59 PM, Friday, July 17th, 2020. After the application deadline, all applications submitted by 11:59 PM July 17th will be included in the random selection process. Applicants will be updated of the status of their application including notification of a 10-day time period during which applicants should submit supporting documentation to complete the verification process. 

Interested renters in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to apply online, the application can be submitted through various devices including smart phones. The application is available online 24 hours at hcidla.lacity.org through 11:59 PM on July 17th. Persons with limited online access may call the Application Hotline: 844-944-1868, between 8 AM and 10 PM,  through Friday, July 17, 2020 (to apply over the phone). TTY: 844-325-1398 is available for persons with  hearing or speech impairments during the same hours. The program is open to all renters, regardless of immigration status.

For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program please visit hcidla.lacity.org.

###

RELEASE: CITY OF LA TO START ITS EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2020
Media Contact: Sandra Mendoza 213.808.8658
Email: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
 

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES ROLLS OUT 
EMERGENCY RENTERS ASSISTANCE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
to assist Los Angeles renters who have been economically impacted by COVID-19

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Ann Sewill, announced today the implementation of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Renters Assistance Subsidy Program (ERAS). The application will be open for five (5) days, starting at 8 AM on July 13th, and closing at 11:59 PM on July 17, 2020.

To assist LA’s tenants and rental property owners affected by the current COVID-19 health pandemic, LA City Council President Nury Martinez, the City Council and HCIDLA, with the support of Mayor Eric Garcetti, created the Emergency Rental Assistance Subsidy Programthe largest COVID-related emergency rental assistance program in the nation. The program allocates $103,000,000 to provide a rent subsidy for low-income tenants in the City of Los Angeles who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. HCIDLA is charged with the implementation of the ERAS Program.

The subsidy is anticipated to assist an estimated 50,000 Los Angeles households. It will provide a grant of up to $1,000 per month, with a maximum grant of $2,000 per household, and will be paid directly to the tenant’s landlord on behalf of the tenant. Eligible tenants are those whose household income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Households must meet the program requirements to pre-qualify for renters assistance:

  • households who reside in multi family rental units in the City of Los Angeles,
  • selected applicants will be required to provide proof of tenancy,
  • total household income of all adults, 18 years of age or older, living in the home, with total annual incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)* level prior to March 13, 2020;

2019 HUD Low-Income Limits for Los Angeles (Formerly known as 80% of AMI)

Household Size1 Person2 Persons3 Persons4 Persons5 Persons6 Persons7 Persons8 Persons
Income Limit$58,450$66,800$75,150$83,500$90,200$96,900$103,550$110,250
         
  • and, households can provide documentation that they have suffered a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19.

It is anticipated that the number of applications for a rent subsidy will far exceed available funding, therefore all applications submitted during the application period that meet all  requirements listed above will be placed in a  random selection system  to determine which households will go forward in the application process for  the rent subsidy.

City of Los Angeles tenants may apply at the HCIDLA website at hcidla.lacity.org starting at 8:00 AM on Monday, July 13th, through 11:59 PM, Friday, July 17th, 2020. After the application deadline, all applications submitted by 11:59 PM July 17th will be included in the random selection process. Applicants will be updated of the status of their application including notification of a 10-day time period during which applicants should submit supporting documentation to complete the verification process.

Interested renters in the City of Los Angeles are encouraged to apply online. The application will be available online 24/7 at hcidla.lacity.org through 11:59 PM on July 17th. Persons with limited online access may call the Application Hotline: 844-944-1868, every day between 8 AM and 10 PM,  starting 8 AM, July 13 through 10 PM on July 17, 2020 to apply over the phone. TTY: 844-325-1398 is available for persons with  hearing or speech impairments during the same hours. The program is open to all renters, regardless of immigration status.

For more information and “Frequently Asked Questions” about the program please visit hcidla.lacity.org.

###

RELEASE: HCIDLA SECURES UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2020

CITY OF LOS ANGELES SCORES SIGNIFICANT AWARDS IN MAJOR
FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

 

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, HCIDLA has secured substantial awards in competitive State funding programs, totaling nearly half a billion dollars thus far in 2020, for HCIDLA to continue its ambitious efforts to increase the City’s supply of affordable housing.

The Qualified Residential Rental Project Program is administered by the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) of the California State Treasurer’s Office. The program provides state and local governmental agencies and joint powers authorities an allocation to issue tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, which includes access to a 4% tax credit program for affordable housing. These bonds and tax credits provide financing tools for new construction and rehabilitation of multifamily rental housing, both market rate and affordable, including supportive housing for homeless residents. HCIDLA’s efforts seeking bond authority through this program yielded 14 of 20 projects, totaling $300 million thus far in 2020.  This highly competitive statewide allocation funding competition is a key factor in the financing and development of affordable and supportive housing to keep rents affordable for low and very low-income individuals and families.  

The Infrastructure Grant (IIG) Program operated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provides grant funding on a competitive basis for infrastructure costs related to affordable housing development projects.  The IIG Program requires a jurisdiction or housing authority to be a joint applicant with the housing developer on a specific  project. HCIDLA received 23 letters of inquiry about potential funding for specific projects and conducted a thorough review process. Projects were prioritized by the following criteria: those with an existing HCIDLA financing commitment, demonstrated true “gap” funding, 100% affordable, included permanent supportive housing units and earned a competitive score in the self-scoring section of the application.  Ultimately, HCIDLA selected submitted 14 applications, 13 of which were awarded funds, securing a total of $46,122,439,  24% of the total IIG funds awarded statewide. 

As  previously announced, the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) awarded $131.3 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program.  The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing projects that integrate new affordable housing with transportation improvement projects, near work, retail services, and other amenities. The AHSC funds will support the development of seven affordable housing projects. Of the $131.3 million award, $87 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $42 million for transit-related infrastructure projects, including 8.11 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements. Combined, these seven awarded projects will help reduce over 148,000 metric tons in GHG emissions. 

###

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $131 MILLION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2020

Media Contact:
sandra.mendoza@lacity.org
 

CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $131 MILLION 
FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

To support the creation of 725 new housing units and infrastructure improvements
 

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $131.3 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program. This is the largest SGC award to date to the City of Los Angeles. 

The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing projects that integrate new affordable housing with transportation improvement projects, near work, retail services, and other amenities routinely used by Angelenos. By paying for infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, the AHSC program makes it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike and use public transportation.

     “In such a competitive environment, wherein Cities and Counties across the State are aggressively seeking funds to support their communities, HCIDLA is thrilled to accept these valuable dollars from the SGC in support of the City’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges while pursuing critically needed affordable housing, which remains an integral part of a more livable, sustainable, and transit-oriented Los Angeles” 

– Rushmore D. Cervantes, HCIDLA General Manager  

The AHSC funds will provide much needed gap-financing for the development of seven (7) affordable housing projects with a total  of 725 new apartment homes, of which 595 units (82%) will be dedicated for low-income and extremely low-income households. Of the $131.3 million award, $87 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $42 million for transit-related infrastructure projects, including 8.11 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements. Combined, these seven awarded projects will help reduce over 148,000 metric tons in GHG emissions. The awarded projects include: Corazon del Valle, Parkview, Rose Hill Court, Santa Monica and Vermont, Thatcher Yard, Washington Arts Collective, and 619 Westlake.  Additionally, the City is partnering with Los Angeles County on the 3rd and Dangler project  awarded AHSC funds.  

This marks the fifth consecutive year that HCIDLA proposals have been awarded AHSC funding. Combined with the prior AHSC awards, the City has successfully secured approximately $330.8 million to support 28 developments with 2,943 new housing units, of which 2,668 are affordable, and an array of GHG emission-reducing transit infrastructure projects. These awards support Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s priority to create a more sustainable City. This outcome is the product of an interdepartmental City team effort coordinated by HCIDLA, technical assistance provided by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and Los Angeles County on some  of the awarded projects. 

###

RELEASE: HCIDLA TO HOST Q&A ON RENTER PROTECTIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HCIDLA TO HOST Q&A ON RENTER PROTECTIONS
To answer frequently asked questions from L.A.’s tenants and landlords.
LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes announced today HCIDLA staff will be hosting a series of live sessions to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding Renter Protections during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Eviction Moratorium.
 
WHEN
DAY -Thursday, April 9 
TIME – 10 AM
 
LIVESTREAM: lacityview.org/live (includes closed captioning)
City of LA 35 # 1 (on the GUI) or CTYLACHANNEL35-1
Master Control Room at the Switch 310-287-3800
 
MEDIA:  Members of the press can submit questions by emailing to: Sandra Mendoza: sandra.mendoza@lacity.org.

RELEASE: HCIDLA TAKES PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HCIDLA Takes Preventive Measures on COVID-19

To promote the well-being of Angelenos, HCIDLA is temporarily suspending public counter service

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes announced today that to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and to help keep the public and staff safe by limiting exposure, HCIDLA is temporarily closing its five public counters effective today.

Additionally, effective Monday, March 16th, Systematic Code Enforcement Program (SCEP) inspections are suspended until further notice. HCIDLA will continue to deploy inspectors in the event of life-safety code violations, and fire-related tenant displacement issues. 

HCIDLA will maintain operations serving the people of Los Angeles, but limiting the scope of work to prevent exposure to both staff and the public.  The HCIDLA hotline will continue service during regular business days and hours.  Residents can call (866) 557- RENT or (866) 557-7368 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Or submit housing-related inquiries to: hcidla.lacity.org/ask-hcidla.

Residents of Los Angeles are encouraged to subscribe to the official City of Los Angeles Emergency Management communications at NotifyLA.org, for official emergency alerts, and/or follow @ReadyLA on the different social media platforms.

While Los Angeles County maintains that risk is still relatively low, the County’s Department of Public Health is urging all of us to take every possible precaution to stop the spread of the virus. HCIDLA highly recommends following LA County’s Department of Public Health recommendations. To learn about best practices to prevent the spread of the virus. For more information on Coronavirus Disease, visit: lacounty.gov/covid19.

###

RELEASE: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NO-FAULT EVICTIONS MORATORIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/HCIDLA/213-808-5658

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NO-FAULT EVICTIONS MORATORIUM

To address the surge of the threat of evictions for Angelenos due to rent increase hikes

LOS ANGELES – The General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced that the LA City Council has approved the No-fault Evictions Moratorium Ordinance and has been sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti for approval. 

The No-fault Evictions Moratorium Ordinance (No. 186340), serves as a prelude to the recently passed California Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482). The emergency ordinance is a response to the surge on no-fault eviction notices, or threats of evictions.

AB 1482 takes effect January 1, the bill prohibits evictions without “just cause” and owners of residential rental properties from increasing rents each year, restrictions apply. For the City of Los Angeles, this means rent cap for properties not currently protected under the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), approximately 138,000 apartments.

“HCIDLA welcomes the City Council’s effort to assist the already rent-burdened people of the City to prevent further displacement under current challenges the City faces with homelessness and housing shortages,” said Rushmore Cervantes, HCIDLA General Manager, “we will work with tenants and landlords and take precautions to protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases that result in displacement of tenants.”

The No-fault Evictions Moratorium Ordinance is effective October 24, 2019, and will expire on December 31, 2019. HCIDLA will be communicating the emergency ordinance to landlords of properties within the City of Los Angeles.

RELEASE: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF HHH PROJECT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/HCIDLA/213-808-5658

 
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF HHH PROJECTS
The 1.2 billion bond financing has been allocated for 119 projects

 LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the most recent round of applications for Proposition HHH funding was approved by the Los Angeles City Council and will be sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti for approval.

Proposition HHH (HHH) is a $1.2 billion voter-approved bond measure, which provides partial financing (loans) for eligible supportive housing development for homeless residents.  The cost and size of developments vary per project, each development offers comprehensive wrap-around social services for each resident. The City’s loan commitment averages $150,000 per affordable apartment.  Developers are responsible for securing all other financing. HHH projects have been approved throughout the City, in every Council District.

This most recent round has 34 housing developments projected to produce 2,174 of units (apartments), of which 1,686 are supportive housing for homeless persons. This round also includes $120 million for six (6) innovative supportive housing proposals. To date, Proposition HHH resources have enabled a total of 119 projects totaling 8,581 units to be undertaken.

Combined with prior HHH commitments and Non HHH-funded projects, since November 2016 HCIDLA has a total of 150 supportive housing developments in the pipeline, totaling 10,660 units.  The 10,660 apartment units to be built may house up to 14,000 people, including seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals and families.

   “At HCIDLA, we are proud of the diligent, complex work that has been done to expedite housing development with HHH funds, while guarding the taxpayers’ dollars. HHH has allowed the City to aggregate its efforts in addressing one of the City’s most challenging social issues of our time – homelessness; while at the same time adding to the City’s much needed affordable housing stock”  -Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager, HCIDLA

The first HHH-funded development is slated to be ready for occupancy in late 2019.  To view detailed HHH data, visit HCIDLA’s HHH-progress dashboard.

### 

RELEASE: HUD AWARDS $5.6 MILLION TO CITY OF LOS ANGELES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT: SANDRA MENDOZA/HCIDLA/213-808-5658

HUD AWARDS $5.6 MILLION TO CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Grant through HCIDLA’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program to assist low-income residents remediate       Lead-based paint and make housing safer and healthier.  

LOS ANGELES — General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that HCIDLA was awarded a $5.6 million grant for HCIDLA’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program. Los Angeles was one of 77 state and local government agencies that successfully competed for funding nationwide.  

The Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Program grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes will help prevent childhood lead poisoning by remediating lead-based paint hazards from homes occupied by lower income families with young children, under the age of 6. The HUD grant is intended to protect children and families from lead-based paint and other related home health hazards and is aligned with the City of Los Angeles’ goals to promote healthier housing  and reduce lead poisoning, which can cause permanent brain damage in young children and fetuses.  

“HUD congratulates the City of Los Angeles in their efforts to improve housing conditions that impact health,” said Matthew Ammon, Director of HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes.  “The City is renewing their commitment to improving the lives of families, and, especially, their children by creating safer and healthier homes.”  

The City of Los Angeles will be awarded $5,000,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant program funding and $600,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding. The City will address lead hazards at an estimated 240 housing units providing safer homes for low and very low-income families with children. The City will also perform healthy homes assessments in 120 units, and work with other medical and social service providers.  

“Young children are at the highest risk to sustaining significant health issues from exposure to lead,” said Rushmore D. Cervantes, HCIDLA General Manager, “these funds will help protect low income families with children from the dangers of lead-based paint. We welcome this year’s grant from HUD that will assist in making homes safe for Angelenos.”  

The City’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program is available for application by low income families with young children throughout the City, and focuses outreach on lower income neighborhoods, including those in Opportunity Zones (economically incentivized distressed communities).  To learn more about the City’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program, visit: hcidla.lacity.org/home-safe-lead-paint.

###

RELEASE: O'FARREL, HOUSING DEPARTMENT HOST 2019 SUMMIT ON POVERTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

RELEASE: O’FARRELL, HOUSING DEPARTMENT HOST FIRST-EVER SUMMIT ON POVERTY

Event convenes service providers, business leaders, employers, and educational institutions to address long-term solutions to chronic poverty in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and the City’s Housing + Community Investment Department on Friday will host the City’s first-ever Poverty Prevention Summit to discuss initiatives aimed at lifting Angelenos out of poverty and preventing them from falling into homelessness.

The event “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Defining Innovative & Equitable Strategies” will convene service providers, business leaders, employers, and educational institutions to address long-term solutions to chronic poverty in Los Angeles. The summit will help city leaders articulate a plan of action to find real solutions to address this major issue facing Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is a city where we never give up on the most vulnerable, where we act to lift up families in every zip code, and where we don’t measure progress by how well people are doing at the top — but by how effectively we help Angelenos start to climb toward economic security,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Despite years of disinvestment by the federal government, our city is focused on investing in programs and policies to break the cycle of poverty — and today’s summit is a critical step forward in finding innovative solutions to serving and supporting people who need help.”

“My goal for leading this summit is to lift people out of poverty and prevent them from falling into homelessness,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, Chair of the City’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee. “We are bringing people together today who don’t regularly collaborate on addressing the fundamentals of poverty. I am grateful to all who are providing their expertise and insight on how we can help people thrive instead of just exist at the margins.”

The Summit is a collaboration with the City’s Housing + Community Investment Department to facilitate solution-oriented discussions that will include informed, data-driven and hands-on roundtable sessions during the day-long meeting. 

“Not everyone living in poverty is homeless, but everyone who lives in poverty is at-risk of becoming homeless,” said Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager, HCIDLA. “HCIDLA is prepared to work with Mayor Garcetti and the City Council to tackle poverty through the coordination and implementation of programs and policies aimed at removing barriers for low-income households.” 

Input during the Summit will be captured through a facilitated approach and will directly inform policy recommendations for the City Council and O’Farrell’s Homelessness and Poverty Committee.  Many of the panelists speaking at the Summit have either lived experience or professional experience lifting Angelenos out of poverty. 

“Growing up in poverty in a single mother household was a struggle. Not knowing where our next meal would come from, leading me to become a single mother at the age of 16. Having experienced homelessness and drug addictions broke me. But today I am recovered thanks to community support and agencies who supported and helped me. Everything is possible with support. Relationships Matter,” said Adriana Aguilar, on of the story tellers at today’s Summit. 

“Poverty affects the Trans community disproportionally,” said Jazzmun Crayton, another story teller at the Summit.

The Summit, to be held at the California Endowment, will host Keynote Speaker Father Gregory Boyle, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., and Councilmembers: Mitch O’Farrell, Paul Koretz, Monica Rodriguez, and Marqueece  Harris-Dawson. Also, Dr. Gary Painter, USC Sol Price Center for Social Innovation, special guest speakers from the Milken Institute and Measure of America, as well as personal stories of perseverance through testimonials.

###

CONTACT: 

TONY ARRANAGA/O’FARRELL/213-258-9533

 

SANDRA MENDOZA/HCIDLA/213-808-5658

Media Release

RELEASE: HCIDLA RECEIVES $26.8 MILLION FOR MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC) PROGRAM

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 16, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

HCIDLA RECEIVES $26.8 MILLION FOR MORTGAGE CREDIT CERTIFICATE (MCC) PROGRAM

To assist first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers purchase homes

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the HCIDLA received a new allocation of $26.8 million from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) for the City of Los Angeles’ Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program.

The MCC Program is a very popular, citywide homebuyer program that assists low- and moderate-income City residents to purchase their first homes in the City of Los Angeles. The Program provides qualified homebuyers a federal income tax credit of twenty percent (20%) of their annual mortgage interest.  Homebuyers realize the MCC credit every year when they file their federal income tax returns.  The MCC Credit is available throughout the term of the original mortgage, typically 30 years. By reducing the homebuyer’s federal income tax liability, the MCC reduces the amount of federal income tax paid, thereby providing the homebuyer with additional disposable income to qualify for a mortgage and increase their home purchasing power.  The MCC Program may be utilized on a stand-alone basis or in conjunction with the City’s down payment purchase assistance (“soft seconds”) loan programs.

 “We are excited to receive these funds that will help households in the City achieve the American dream of owning a home. The HCIDLA team is ready to assist eligible, first-time homebuyers realize their dream of homeownership in the City of Los Angeles.”   –Rushmore D. Cervantes, General Manager

To apply: contact one of HCIDLA’S approved Participating Lenders to be pre-qualified for a first mortgage and the City’s Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, or call (213) 808-8800 for more information.

For more details about the program, features, and requirements, visit the HCIDLA website (hcidla.lacity.org), or call (213) 808-8800.

###

Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $85 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES AWARDED $85 MILLION FOR SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

LOS ANGELES – General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA), Rushmore D. Cervantes, announced today that the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $84.9 million to the City of Los Angeles under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program.  This is the largest SGC award to date for City of Los Angeles.

The goal of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and vehicle-miles traveled by financing integrated new affordable housing developments and transportation improvement projects, near work, retail, and other facilities routinely used by Angelenos.  By paying for infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, the AHSC program makes it easier and safer for residents to walk, bike and use public transportation.

HCIDLA is thrilled to receive these valuable dollars from the SGC in support of the City’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change while ensuring critically needed affordable housing remains an integral part of a more livable, sustainable, and transit-oriented Los Angeles” – Rushmore D. Cervantes, HCIDLA General Manager

The AHSC funds will provide much needed gap-financing for the development of five (5) affordable housing projects that will consist of 824 units, of which 709 units (86%) will be dedicated for low-income and extremely low-income households.  Of the $84.9 million award, $58 million will be allocated for new affordable housing construction and $27 million for transit related infrastructure projects, including 11.7 miles of pedestrian and cycling improvements.  Combined, the five awarded projects will help reduce over 102,000 metric tons in GHG emissions.  The projects include: Hollywood Arts Collective * Jordan Downs Phase S3 & Watts Pedestrian Bike District * Manchester Urban Homes * Vermont Manchester Transit Priority Project * Weingart Tower and Skid Row Transportation Safety.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that HCIDLA proposals have been awarded AHSC funding.  Combined with the prior AHSC awards, the City has successfully secured approximately $200 million to support 21 developments, 2,218 new housing units and an array of GHG emission-reducing transit infrastructure projects.  These awards align with the City of Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti’s priorities in creating a more sustainable City.  This outcome is the product of interdepartmental City team effort coordinated by HCIDLA, technical assistance provided by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., and collaboration with LA County for one of the five projects.

###

Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ TEXT RSO CAMPAIGN

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES’ TEXT RSO CAMPAIGN

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) is expanding its outreach effort to tenants, landlords and the general public with the Text RSO Campaign.

Through the Housing + Community Investment Department’s Rent Division, tenants, landlords, and the public in general can easily find out if a property located within the city of Los Angeles is subject to the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). The Text RSO tool enables tenants, landlords, investors, real estate professionals and others to be informed about specific properties, and how to learn more about their rights and responsibilities.

The City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) applies to rental properties that were first built on or before October 1, 1978 as well as replacement units subject to the state Ellis Act, and includes all of the following: apartments, rented condominium units and townhomes, duplexes, two or more single family dwelling units on the same parcel, rooms in a hotel, motel, and rooming house or boarding house occupied by the same tenant for 30 or more consecutive days, residential unit(s) attached to a commercial building. Mobilehomes and recreational vehicles in mobile home parks are also covered under the RSO.

The RSO addresses – allowable rent increases, registration of rental units requirements, legal reasons for eviction, types of evictions requiring payment of tenant relocation assistance, and disclosure notices for all “Cash for Keys” or Tenant Buyout Agreements.  To learn more about the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, visit: hcidla.lacity.org/RSO-Overview

The ‘text RSO’ feature is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Korean.   A person needs only to text the acronym: RSO to 1-855-880-7368 to begin a quick interaction that enables the system to query the property.

The text campaign is user friendly. After texting “RSO”, the system replies with language options. After the texter chooses the language, the subsequent text asks for the street address and zip code. The system follows with a quick ‘yes or no’ confirmation, and the text that follows confirms whether the property is an RSO designated property or not. The texter is also provided HCIDLA contact information for further inquiries about the specific property.  Learn more about the Rent Stabilization Ordinance on HCIDLA’s website at hcidla.lacity.org/Is-My-Rental-Unit-Subject-to-the-RSO

###

Media Release

RELEASE: HCIDLA ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE BICYLCE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

HCIDLA ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE BICYLCE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) through the Transportation Safety Program and in coordination with California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are encouraging drivers and bicycle riders to look out for one another during National Bicycle Safety Month.

Unfortunately, deaths in bicycle injuries and fatalities are on the rise. For City of Los Angeles alone, the California Highway Patrol reports:

Persons by Road Classification and Age in City of Los Angeles – January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019

Bicycle Involved Fatal

Bicycle Involved Injury

Bicycle Involved Fatal

Under Age 18

Bicycle Involved Injury

Under Age 18

1

219

0

41

Among the primary factors in these incidents were failing to yield right of way, speeding, improper turning, using the wrong side of the road and not following traffic signs or signals.

“Bicycle safety remains a key concern in Los Angeles, this is why under the Community Services & Development Bureau through the Transportation Safety Program, we are committed to educating and informing the public on traffic safety issues, including bicycle riders” –Rushmore Cervantes, HCIDLA General Manager

In recognition of National Bicycle Safety Month, HCIDLA joined other agencies to lead a safe walk and bike ride for 40 parents and children around the area of 20th Street School.  This is one of over 50 safe pedestrian and bike ride programs hosted by HCIDLA under a grant from the State Office of Traffic Safety.

To further raise awareness of bike safety, HCIDLA is partnering with Good Samaritan Hospital for a press conference:     Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital, 1225 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles (Main Entrance) – 9:00 a.m.

HCIDLA offers a few tips to ensure the safety of everyone on the road:

  • Drivers should look behind them before making a turn at an intersection, especially if crossing into a designated bike lane.
  • Drivers should use extra caution backing up or leaving a parking space.
  • Bicyclists should go with the flow of traffic and let faster traffic pass.
  • Bicyclists should make themselves visible and wear brightly colored clothing.
  • Bicyclists are advised to use lights from dusk to dawn (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors).
  • Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
  • Both drivers and bicyclists should avoid distractions like using their cell phone.

Funding for transportation safety, including child safety seat, bicycle and pedestrian safety workshops is provided to HCIDLA by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Media Release

RELEASE: LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 2,048 CITATIONS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUES 2,048 CITATIONS FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) through the Transportation Safety Program and in coordination with California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) remind Angelenos of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) statistics, LAPD cited 2,048 drivers (from 1/1/19-03/31/19) for violating California’s hands-free cell phone law as part of a larger effort to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it is important for drivers to understand the huge risks they take using their cell phones behind the wheel,” LAPD, Officer A. Ornelas. “It’s careless, dangerous and illegal. Drivers should keep their eyes on the road, not their phone.”

Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from having a phone in their hand for any reason and can only use their phone in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.

A 2018 observational survey by OTS on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone, and more often to perform a function on the phone, versus talking.

When drivers look down at their phone to read or sent a text, check GPS or scroll through social media, they are taking their eyes off the road, which is incredibly dangerous,” -LAPD, Officer A. Ornelas.

If you need to make a call or text someone, the police department suggests pulling over and parking at a safe location. If you are unable to resist the urge and stay off the phone while driving, put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.

In addition to phones, other serious distractions include eating, grooming, reaching for fallen objects, fiddling with the radio or console controls and changing clothes. HCIDLA encourages everyone to avoid distractions and go safely.

Funding for transportation safety, including child safety seat, bicycle and pedestrian safety workshops is provided to HCIDLA by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Media Release

RELEASE: CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS USE OF FEDERAL GRANTS

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) is pleased to announce the release of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s proposed budget for the 45th Program Year Consolidated Plan.  The overall budget of more than $138 million is intended to support communities in low to moderate income neighborhoods.  The HCIDLA is hosting three community meetings to share the proposed Consolidated Plan budget and collect community feedback.

Last year, the Mayor and City Council approved the 2018-2022 Five-Year Consolidated Plan Overview that outlines the framework for how the City will coordinate efforts to revitalize low income neighborhoods during a five-year period. The Program Year 45 Consolidated Plan proposed budget is focused on the following objectives: to develop urban communities, to provide decent housing and suitable living environments, and to expand economic opportunity for all City residents, and in particular the most vulnerable residents experiencing homelessness and income insecurity. These funds are for projects and programs aimed at increasing access to affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting economic development primarily benefiting low income residents of the City.

Some of the proposed projects in the Mayor’s budget for housing and community development grant funds include: Neighborhood Improvements, Economic Development Projects, Housing and Related Programs, and Public Services, including the following new programs: 1) Eviction Defense, 2) Children’s Savings Accounts, and 3) Expanded After-school Services.  Details of the proposed budget will be shared at the upcoming community meetings and everyone is welcome to attend and provide feedback.

DATES FOR COMMUNITY MEETINGS:

All meetings held 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Mervyn M. Dymally High School

8800 San Pedro Street

Los Angeles, CA  90003

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

El Nido Family Center

11243 Glenoaks Blvd.

Pacoima, CA  91331

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Central City Neighborhood Partners

501 South Bixel Street

Los Angeles, CA  90017

Everyone is urged to attend to provide recommendations and comments on the proposed projects, and all comments will be shared with elected officials.

Individuals unable to attend but who would like to submit comments, via email to: hcidla.planning@lacity.org, by mail: Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department, 1200 W. 7th Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA  90017, Attn: Julie O’Leary, Director of Consolidated Planning.

To view the proposed projects, visit: hcidla.lacity.org/latest-action-plan. For more information, contact Julie O’Leary at: julie.oleary@lacity.org.

###

Media Release

RELEASE: CIT BANK RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH A NEW GRANT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

RUSHMORE D. CERVANTES
GENERAL MANAGER, LOS ANGELES HOUSING + COMMUNITY INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2019

HCIDLA Media Contact:
Public Information Desk (213) 808-8658

CIT BANK RENEWS PARTNERSHIP WITH A NEW GRANT FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) today announced that CIT Bank, N.A., the banking subsidiary of CIT Group Inc., has awarded a $400,000 grant to HCIDLA to help lower-income Angelenos achieve the American Dream.

In late 2017, CIT Bank provided $400,000, which enabled HCIDLA to assist 28 hard-working families in purchasing single-family homes and condominiums throughout the city. For this purpose, CIT is now renewing that grant for another year.

For over 25 years, HCIDLA has operated first-time homebuyer assistance programs, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with purchase assistance in the form of a deferred-payment “soft second” loan to be used toward down payment, acquisition and closing costs.  Personal income tax credits in the form of mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) are also available to first-time buyers.

“CIT is pleased to partner with the City of L.A. and renew our support for first-time, low- and moderate- income families in their efforts to secure permanent single family housing,” said Steve Solk, president of Consumer Banking for CIT. “Together, we are committed to strengthening neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of local L.A. residents.”

With rising home prices and interest rates, the path to homeownership has become increasingly difficult, especially for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers. HCIDLA’s resources for first-time homebuyers are primarily federal grants and MCCs via the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC).  With these limited resources HCIDLA can typically assist fewer than 100 home buying low-income households a year and thus continuously seeks other grant sources.  This second $400,000 grant from CIT will enable HCIDLA to provide loans to an additional 28 homebuyers.

Denise Harris, a new homeowner, received an HCIDLA Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) loan of $60,000, including $15,000 from the CIT grant awarded in late 2017. Ms. Harris stated: “I am grateful for the program and all the assistance that I received.  I am a single mother of three and obtained a brand new home through the wonderful LIPA Program and Habitat for Humanity. This has been a blessing to my family and made my homeownership dream a more affordable possibility. hank you!”

Another new homeowner assisted by the CIT grant, Nelson Armando Flores, shared that “The LIPA Program made my dream of owning a home come true.  I had been thinking of purchasing a home for myself and my family for over eight years but with home prices being so high, it always seemed like just a dream. Thanks to this wonderful program, my wife, three sons and myself, now own our own home.  Thank you for this great opportunity.  Hopefully, this program never ends.”

HCIDLA General Manager Rushmore Cervantes, stated that, “HCIDLA is pleased to accept this new CIT grant which will support our loan programs for low-income, first-time homebuyers. The demand for assistance by highly qualified buyers is far greater than the limited resources available for this purpose.”

To learn more about the City’s First-Time Homebuyer Programs, please visit hcidla.lacity.org/homebuyers.

CIT is a leading national bank focused on empowering businesses and personal savers with the financial agility to navigate their goals. CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT) is a financial holding company with over a century of experience, approximately $50 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2018, and operates a principal bank subsidiary, CIT Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender). The company’s commercial banking segment includes commercial financing, real estate financing, equipment financing, factoring and railcar financing. CIT’s consumer banking segment includes its national online bank, CIT Bank, and a Southern California branch bank, OneWest Bank. Discover more at cit.com/about. CIT’s banking subsidiary is based in Pasadena, California, and includes the OneWest Bank Southern California branch network and the national online bank CIT Bank.

###

Comments are closed.