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Building Your Block
A newsletter course from LAist that explains the obstacles around housing development in L.A. and what you can do to make things better.
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.
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Is it fair to shower the bulk of subsidies for decent affordable housing on one group while the majority of those in need are left with none? -
The mayor’s signature program Inside Safe is on track to bring 1,000 people off the streets — but only 62 have found permanent housing. -
I vowed long ago to look into a key program to see how efficient it was — what I found raises significant questions about a major driver of housing for low- and very low-income families in L.A. -
A 37-year-old tax credit program intended to get private developers to build affordable units has failed in a fundamental way: It's a bargain people still can't afford. -
Your guide to renting in this complicated — and expensive — place. -
Black and Latinx homes are more likely to be undervalued by real estate appraisers, who are mostly older white men. New recruiting and technology aims to change how appraisals are done and by whom.
