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L.A. Politicians Announce $100 Million Rent Relief Measure
A large banner advertising open apartments hangs on the walls of a large multi unit apartment building in Koreatown. (Chava Sanchez/LAist)
A program to provide rent relief could receive a massive infusion of cash, according to an announcement by Los Angeles city leaders today.
Under the plan, $100 million in federal stimulus dollars will flow to the city’s COVID-19 Rental Assistance Fund, a huge boost for a program that launched with just $2.2 million in funding.
City Council President Nury Martinez said at the meeting:
“This $100 million commitment is an economic lifeline we are all offering to our fellow Angelenos to help them reclaim their lives.”
Sponsored message
The program will be available to tenants who:
- Can document their losses from COVID-19
- And make less than 80% of their area’s median income
Payouts go directly to landlords, and will be capped at $1,000 per month and $3,000 over the life of the program. The effort is expected to launch in late June or early July, Mayor Eric Garcetti said today adding that it could help 50,000 households. The stimulus funds have to be spent by the end of the year.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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