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LA City Council moves to limit campaign contributions from big developers
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The $1 billion Metropolis project in downtown Los Angeles is funded by Greenland, a Chinese state-owned real estate behemoth. (Photo by Ben Bergman/KPCC )
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A handful of Los Angelges City Council members on Tuesday proposed a ban on campaign contributions from real estate developers of significant projects.
Developers covered by the proposed restrictions include those whose projects would add or construct more than 4,000 square feet of residential floor area or 15,000 square feet of commercial space.
The council members also want to look for ways to restrict developers from making contributions to favored causes supported by city officials, donations known as "behested payments."
In August 2017, KPCC investigated millions of dollars in behested payments raised by Mayor Eric Garcetti from individuals, businesses and foundations. In recent years, some of the contributors won large contracts and crucial city approvals for their projects.
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Councilman David Ryu authored the new motion calling for the restrictions on developers' campaign contributions and behested payments, a move backed by council members Paul Koretz, Mike Bonin, Paul Krekorian, Nury Martinez and Joe Buscaino and seconded by Council President Herb Wesson.
This motion is the second of its kind. A previous motion from early 2017 expired over the recent council recess. Ryu's office hopes the latest motion, which for the first time calls for steps banning behested payments from developers, will move more quickly.
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