HACLA Celebrates a Decade of Economic Empowerment: Section 3 Program Marks 10 Years of Jobs and Opportunity

Celebration highlights the creation of 3,000+ local jobs

Los Angeles, CA - The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) joined local and federal leaders, business partners, community advocates, and residents to celebrate the 10th anniversary of HACLA's Section 3 program. The milestone event--- held at Jordan Downs' Kalmia Rose apartments--- a flagship development in partnership with BRIDGE Housing--- served as a powerful testament to the program's role as a vital economic engine for our city.

A federal initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Section 3 ensures that when public dollars are used to build or improve communities, the economic benefits stay local. By partnering with contractors and developers, HACLA's Section 3 program transforms construction sites into classrooms and job sites into careers-prioritizing employment, training, and scholarships for low-income residents.

"Over the past ten years, HACLA's Section 3 program has proven public investment is most powerful when it acts as an economic multiplier," said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, HACLA President & CEO. "We aren't just building housing we are fueling economic opportunity. By creating 3,000 jobs and reinvesting in residents' education, we are ensuring that funds circulate back in the pockets of our families and neighborhoods. This is how we move from public investment to lasting upward mobility!"

A Decade of Impact by the Numbers:

• 3,000+ jobs created for residents and community members.

• $23 million awarded to Section 3-certified businesses.

• $270,000+ in college scholarships for Public Housing and Section 8 residents.

• $10,000+ provided for vocational tuition, certifications, and union dues.

• 30+ financial literacy and construction-related training programs hosted.

"We can see that Section 3 is working and HACLA has done this exceptionally well. When we look at the jobs that HACLA has created, these numbers are extraordinary," said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. "This program and its success are proof that when you work hard, and you believe that every human being deserves to be respected and have a decent quality of life, you can make it happen."

This impact is sustained by a robust network of public-private partnerships.

"What we've been able to accomplish over the last ten years through the Section 3 program is remarkable," said HACLA Board Chair Cielo Castro. "As Section 3 continues to grow, so will the opportunities it creates, for residents ready to work, for families building stability, and for communities that deserve investments. We've accomplished a lot together, but the work continues. I'm excited about the next ten years as HACLA creates more opportunities, more mobility, and stronger communities."

Over the last decade, HACLA has collaborated with key partners including BRIDGE Housing, Portrait Construction, TMO, Walton Construction, Primestor Development, Related California, Staples, EFI Global, Reno & Cavanaugh, PLLC, and U.S. Bank to bridge the gap between housing and economic opportunity.

"EFI Global is proud to support HACLA's Section 3 programs and provide meaningful impact to the community through job opportunities and scholarships," said Shayan Simantob, Vice President, EFI Global, Inc. "Our participation in these programs has been most rewarding, and it is an honor to see participants grow in their educational and professional careers through new opportunities."

"Being able to be a small part of the redevelopment of my community has been a great privilege for me, and I look forward to seeing how my community benefits from these changes, said Jose Mateo, Pueblo Del Sol Resident and Section 3 Participant. "Through the Section 3 program, Portrait Construction, took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the construction industry. For this, I am forever grateful to them."

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About HACLA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), established in 1938, provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to more than 200,000 Angelenos. Its administrative portfolio includes 164 properties - 12 of which are public housing developments - totaling over 12,000 units, along with more than 60,000 Housing Vouchers and Certificates through the Section 8 program. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.

Contact:

[email protected]