OLA was established in 1976 by the DC Council as a key component of the “Latino Community Development Act, DC Law 1-86”. It was the council’s intention that OLA, part of the Executive Office of the Mayor, work with the Administration, the Council, District government agencies, as well as private, community-based organizations and businesses to ensure that “a full range of health, education, employment, and social services are available to all DC Latino residents."

The Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs is the critical link between Latino residents, the Mayor, the DC Council, District government agencies, as well as private, community-based organizations and businesses.

OLA currently has the following programs and services: