LA Agrees to Pay $38.2 Million for Allegedly Misusing HUD Grants

The City of Los Angeles agreed to pay nearly $38.2 million to resolve allegations that it knowingly misused U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant funds to build affordable housing that was inaccessible to people with disabilities, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Aug. 26. “Municipalities that receive federal grant money for affordable and accessible housing must comply with federal law and honor the rights of people with disabilities,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Joseph T. McNally said in a statement. “The nearly $40 million settlement here demonstrates our commitment to ensuring municipalities receiving federal funds comply with federal law,” McNally said. “We will continue to work with the City of Los Angeles to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.”...