ALHAMBRA, Calif. — The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has received an Award of Excellence from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its Charge Up Carmelitos initiative in the County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability category.
The annual NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county government programs that improve residents' quality of life, strengthen communities, and deliver measurable public benefits.
Expanding EV Access in Public Housing
The Charge Up Carmelitos initiative was recognized for advancing environmental equity by installing 20 Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at the Carmelitos Public Housing community while connecting residents with energy-saving resources and clean transportation opportunities.
Carmelitos is one of LACDA's largest public housing communities, consisting of 713 residential units, including 588 family units and 155 senior housing units. Prior to the project, residents had no on-site EV charging infrastructure and limited access to electric vehicle technology and its associated benefits.
Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Transportation
The award also recognizes the collaboration among the Los Angeles County Development Authority, the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, Southern California Edison, and PowerFlex.
The project enables residents to:
Reduce fuel expenses
Charge their vehicles within walking distance of their homes
Minimize range anxiety
Improve neighborhood air quality by reducing emissions
Access state and utility incentive programs for electric vehicles
Reduce reliance on public charging stations
Support the County's long-term expansion of EV infrastructure
Commitment to Clean Energy Equity
"We are honored to receive the NACo Award of Excellence for this important initiative that gives our public housing residents greater access to clean energy transportation options," said Emilio Salas, Executive Director of LACDA.
"This recognition reflects our commitment to ensuring equal access to modern technology while overcoming infrastructure and funding challenges through strong partnerships."
Minh Le, General Manager of Energy and Environmental Services for the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, said the initiative represents an important step toward achieving the County's clean transportation goals.
"By deploying affordable electric vehicle technology, we are helping make cleaner transportation accessible to all residents. This community-centered project provides a scalable model for expanding sustainable mobility throughout Los Angeles County."
Recognizing Innovation in County Government
Established in 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards honor outstanding county government programs across 18 public service categories, including infrastructure, sustainability, public health, public safety, information technology, libraries, youth services, civic engagement, and county management.
The awards celebrate innovative programs that improve government services and strengthen local communities across the United States.