Fifty years ago, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recognized the need for a department dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers in Los Angeles County, an effort championed by Supervisor Ed Edelman. On April 15, 1976, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs opened its doors with a simple but powerful mission: to protect and advocate for the people of Los Angeles County.
Half a century later, that mission has grown, but the Department’s commitment to serving LA County remains consistent. Today, now known as the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), what began as a traditional consumer protection agency has evolved into a broader platform for advancing fairness, accountability, and economic justice, particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by economic instability and exploitation.
This week, the Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April 15, 2026, as the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. DCBA is proud to commemorate our 50th anniversary with a yearlong celebration honoring the accomplishments that earned DCBA its reputation as “The People’s Department,” while reflecting on the department’s impact today, and looking to a future where DCBA continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of LA County residents.
As part of that celebration, DCBA is releasing a new promotional video to highlight the department’s invaluable services. The seven-minute video, titled “50 Years of The People’s Department”, features the voices of several community partners who share how they have worked with DCBA on a variety of projects and the impact of those efforts throughout the years. Watch the clip at DCBA’s YouTube page.
Throughout the year, DCBA will also embark on a 50th Anniversary public awareness campaign to showcase the department’s vast spectrum of services and programs. DCBA will participate in community events across LA County to share critical information and connect directly with the community. The campaign will also highlight personalities and success stories through DCBA’s website, social media, and email newsletters. DCBA will expand its campaign through digital, radio, and social media messaging.
“I am proud of the legacy of service DCBA has built over the last 50 years,” said DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal. “What makes this department special is our staff, past and present, and the commitment they bring to serving Los Angeles County residents daily. As Angelenos, many of us know firsthand what it means to suffer inequities—displacements, foreclosures, scams and financial hardship. That lived experience drives our work and it’s what has helped DCBA earn its reputation as ‘The People’s Department’.”
DCBA offers a wide range of services and programs that protect and support the people of Los Angeles County. These efforts include investigating thousands of complaints each year and helping residents fight fraud, scams, and identity theft. The department also helps families stay housed by enforcing rent stabilization laws, supporting tenants and landlords, and preventing foreclosure. It helps workers recover stolen wages and ensure they receive the pay and protections they’re entitled to. DCBA is also leading the development of LA County’s commercial cannabis framework and expanding access to legal services while strengthening economic justice across communities.
As DCBA marks 50 years of service, we continue to uphold our mission of protecting the rights of consumers, workers, tenants, homeowners, and immigrants. We remain California’s standalone county consumer protection agency, steadfast in our commitment to ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable marketplace for all who live and work in Los Angeles County, and ready to help craft our next half-century of service.
Learn more about key moments in the department’s history.
To watch our new video and get the latest information from DCBA, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube.
