Summary: The Greater Los Angeles Community Action Agency (GLACAA) was the second largest community action agency in the country. During 1977 and 1978 GLACAA administered over $30 million in funds annually through approximately 90 delegate agencies. GLACAA experienced serious financial problems and management difficulties throughout most of its 5-year existence. In December 1978 GLACAA was dissolved and its program functions were assumed by the City and County of Los Angeles. The conversion of GLACAA from an independent nonprofit agency representing the poor to a public program, administered by municipal entities, is provided for by statute. Of almost 900 Community Action Agencies in the country, 81 have undergone such conversions. During the past 5 years, 29 other Community Action Agencies have been terminated or defunded by the Community Services Administration (CSA) and 19 have been voluntarily terminated by local sponsors. It is recommended that the Director of CSA improve the selection and integrity of Community Action Boards by: developing safeguards in the selection procedures of area councils for poverty community representatives that preclude large delegate agencies from unduly influencing the selection process; providing sufficient technical training for poverty community representatives; building safeguards into the processes for removal of board members to insulate them from political pressures; providing for meaningful participation on the board by public sector representatives; and expanding conflict of interest definitions.
