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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

LA city council members lose 'pocket veto' on new affordable housing in their districts

An audit from Controller Wendy Greuel finds the city is unable to track the true inventory of parking lots in Los Angeles.
An audit from Controller Wendy Greuel finds the city is unable to track the true inventory of parking lots in Los Angeles.
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Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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LA city council members lose 'pocket veto' on new affordable housing in their districts

Los Angeles city council members have been able to single-handedly and quietly block new affordable and supportive housing in the areas they represent by simply withholding a letter that developers need to secure public funding for these projects. 

But a new state law is putting an end to this requirement, which critics say has given local lawmakers a "pocket veto" on any new housing that might face opposition from angry neighbors who don't want it in their backyard. Los Angeles council members made the change official on Tuesday by voting to get rid of the need for these letters. 

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