The National Community Development Association (NCDA) awards use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to create nearly 300 interim housing units
LOS ANGELES — The City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) received the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Award from the National Community Development Association (NCDA) for its leadership and innovation in addressing homelessness through the Mayfair Hotel interim housing project.
Named after NCDA’s first Deputy Executive Secretary, the Audrey Nelson Community Development Award celebrates projects that exemplify strategic partnerships and innovative approaches to addressing local challenges. The award was presented at the NCDA Winter Conference on February 4–6 in Washington, D.C.
The Mayfair Hotel Project repurposed a historic Los Angeles property to create nearly 300 units of transitional housing, providing Angelenos experiencing homelessness with safe shelter and access to supportive services that help them transition to permanent housing.
Case management and wrap-around services at the Mayfair include, but are not limited to:
- Physical and mental health services
- Substance use disorder services
- Intensive case management
- Life skills
- Employment and housing navigation
Funding for the Mayfair included nearly $28 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. CIFD serves as the administrator of CDBG funds and partners with City leaders to leverage resources and address the City's needs.
“This award is a powerful affirmation of what’s possible when federal resources are deployed with urgency, creativity, and a deep commitment to equity,” said CIFD General Manager Abigail R. Marquez. “We were proud to support the Mayfair Hotel Project and Mayor Karen Bass' Inside Safe initiative to demonstrate how Community Development Block Grant funds can be a catalyst for real change in our communities.”
As part of the recognition, representatives from CIFD shared a presentation during the NCDA’s Annual Winter Conference.
This national recognition reflects CIFD’s ongoing commitment to investing in solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, uplift communities, and expand pathways to housing and stability for Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents.