Meet Our CEO
Lori Ann Farrell brings 35 years of expert leadership in public finance, housing, and core government services to the agency at a critical moment in L.A. County’s effort to expand affordable housing, protect renters, and prevent homelessness.
“Throughout my career in the public and private sectors, I’ve managed multi-billion dollar budgets with a record of delivering results and accountability. I’m excited to lead this innovative new agency as it dramatically increases access to affordable homes, protects renters, and prevents homelessness in L.A. County.”
Lori Ann Farrell
Bio
Lori Ann Farrell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA). LACAHSA is an independent regional public agency established to coordinate financing and policy strategies for affordable housing production, preservation, and homelessness prevention throughout Los Angeles County.
Appointed in July 2026, Farrell brings 35 years of leadership in public finance, housing and homelessness prevention, and core government services. She has managed multi-billion budgets, directed large public agencies, and secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for capital projects and community investments.
Farrell and her team at LACAHSA recently issued $222 million in Social Bonds, supporting 20 affordable housing projects providing funding for 1,530 housing units that will serve over 4,000 individuals Countywide. In addition, she was instrumental in helping the agency secure a “AA” bond rating from Fitch Ratings for its first bond issuance.
Prior to her current role, Farrell served as Interim City Manager for the City of Santa Rosa, where she oversaw 1,300 employees and a $554 million budget spanning public safety, housing, homelessness services, and infrastructure, among other departments.
During her tenure as City Manager in Costa Mesa, the City converted two local motels into 164 permanent supportive housing units. She also lobbied for and won a $3.5 million state planning grant to develop over 4,000 units of housing at a local infill site. Farrell was instrumental in the creation of the City’s first ever Affordable Housing Ordinance, and a Tenant Eviction Protection Ordinance that cut evictions by 50 percent in the first six months.
As CFO for the City of Long Beach, she oversaw the administration of a $2.4 billion bonded debt portfolio and managed a $2.5 billion citywide budget. In addition, she achieved the first-ever AAA bond credit rating for the City of Huntington Beach while serving as their CFO and later Assistant City Manager.
Farrell holds an MPA from Columbia University and a BA from Barnard College.
