We know there’s a housing shortage in L.A., and it’s created major challenges for the region. But try to understand how to fix the problem and it gets murky, fast. We need more housing, but where can we actually build it? Why does it seem like all the new buildings going up are luxury apartments? Why isn’t there enough affordable housing? And most importantly: What can you actually do to support the housing you want to see in L.A.?
These are just some of the questions that Building Your Block will tackle in this seven-issue newsletter course.
Think of it as your starter guide to the conversations L.A. is having about housing development, plus we’ll bring you some real talk on what you can do to advocate for the housing future you want.
What can I expect?
Over seven issues, we’ll cover everything from how zoning rules determine what gets built and where, to why there’s so little affordable housing.
We’ll cap it all off with a long list of ideas you can put into action to influence housing decisions in your backyard, your city and beyond.
How often will you email me?
This newsletter has seven issues in total. Once you sign up, you’ll get one new issue a day until it’s done.
Sign up for Building Your Block
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The Umeya is meant to act as a bridge between Skid Row and Little Tokyo.
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The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million.
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The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
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After City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto refused to sign a tenant aid contract, the City Council approved temporary funding while a new contract remains up for grabs.
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The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
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After Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to allow mid-rise apartment buildings near major transit stops, opponents of new housing have a new reason to battle the bus.