On October 28, Alison King assumed the position of acting director for the Department of Health and Human Services in Long Beach, California. King, formerly the Bureau Manager for the Housing Authority for the City of Long Beach, brings substantial experience in public health and human services. This change follows the exit of former director Kelly Colopy, which was declared in September. According to the press release from the City of Long Beach, a nationwide search will be conducted to permanently fill the role.
While serving the Housing Authority, King displayed a consistent commitment to forging secure, affordable living options for Long Beach residents. As Deputy Executive Director, she effectively managed a $110 million budget, enabling rental housing subsidies for over 7,000 low-income families within city limits.
King's accomplishments also include contributing to the assignment of more than 900 housing vouchers and the awarding of contracts for a dozen affordable housing development projects. This lead to the creation of over 400 additional housing units. She assisted in obtaining Stability Housing Vouchers for Long Beach, one of a mere eight communities in California to receive this essential resource, in the fight against homelessness. Another notable example of her dedication was her instrumental role in the Emergency Housing Voucher program, which achieved secure permanent housing for all 582 eligible voucher holders earlier this year as noted in the announcement.
