LA Homeless Services CEO Resigns after County Reduces Funding

Va Lecia Adams Kellum, the CEO of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), announced her resignation just days after the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to create a new homeless services department, reallocating over $300 million in funding from LAHSA. In her resignation letter, Adams Kellum cited the shift in responsibilities as the right moment to step down, committing to a 120-day transition period. Despite her efforts to improve the agency's effectiveness, LAHSA has faced criticism for poor accounting and management, with recent audits uncovering significant financial mismanagement. While she expressed pride in the agency's progress, including a reported decrease in homelessness, local officials fear that the move to a county-run department may hinder the momentum gained in recent years. Mayor Karen Bass openly criticized the county's decision, expressing concerns that it could negatively impact ongoing efforts to address homelessness. Adams Kellum's resignation follows a turbulent tenure marked by both achievements and controversies within the agency.