-
Listen Listen
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.
-
Bass says L.A. will be “master leasing” buildings across the city. Experts say the approach could move people indoors faster, but won’t be a panacea.
-
If you’re facing a rent increase, eviction or need help affording rent in L.A. check out this list of resources.
-
A new report suggests L.A. rarely enforces a local law for listings on websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Is there a better way?
-
The city’s law regulating vacation rentals is more than three years old, but a new study suggests violations are rampant.
-
The county's other shelters are mostly full and have criteria that exclude some unhoused people.
-
The rental assistance program provides federal subsidies for low-income tenants. But the demand for the vouchers continues to outpace their availability.