Justin Szlasa Removed as LAHSA Audit Chair Amid Scrutiny Over Homelessness Spending
Justin Szlasa, a commissioner with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), has been removed as chair of the agency's audit committee without explanation. Szlasa has been a vocal advocate for stronger auditing, transparency, and oversight within LAHSA, an agency facing intense scrutiny and potential loss of federal and city funding. His removal was recommended by Stephanie Graves, the new chair of the LAHSA Commission and an appointee of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Szlasa's efforts included uncovering wasteful spending, such as paying for more camping spots than existed and identifying empty taxpayer-funded housing units. He also pressed for an audit into LAHSA's failure to spend $7 million in federal grants. Critics, including former top deputy in the L.A. City Controller’s office Rick Cole, view Szlasa's removal as part of a 'cover-up' of dysfunction at LAHSA. 
