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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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Affordable units are supposed to be listed on an online housing registry, but many such apartments don’t appear there. It prices out tenants.
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The law went into effect on Friday.
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Bottom line: Beds, couches and other bulky items can't just be confiscated from the sidewalks of Los Angeles.
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With the state taking over the city’s troubled rent relief program, L.A. tenants can once again apply for aid. Now comes the hard part — getting existing applicants to reapply.
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The measure was inspired by the elderly Japanese American residents of Sakura Gardens in Boyle Heights. Dozens were forced to find new homes after the owner announced plans to close one of its facilities.
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Residents of the apartment community said they've dealt with cockroaches, poor electrical wiring and bad management for years and are ready for change.