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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.
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How can the city build faster? Do apartments belong in single-family zones? On many housing issues, L.A. mayoral candidates are sharply divided.
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Homeowners tried to stop a 133-unit project designed for low-income renters displaced by the Eaton Fire, arguing the project didn’t fit the neighborhood.
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After a failed vote to extend the ban, the county’s long-standing prohibition on raising rents by more than 10% from pre-fire levels will expire May 29.
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The number of people experiencing homelessness has dropped 13.5% compared to the previous count in 2024, according to the latest county data.
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The city’s airport is set to close at the end of 2028. Voters have approved turning it into a park. But some now want a piece of that land for affordable housing.
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A San Diego judge ordered the penalties earlier this month after the city ran out of legal appeals.