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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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Some of California’s most powerful lawmakers have taken aim at corporate landlords this legislative session. The precise impact and effect of institutional investors on California housing is hard to assess.
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A U.S. District judge announced Thursday that he plans to rule that the city of L.A. misled attorneys over promises to clear encampments and provide shelter beds.
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County officials are using AI to predict who could end up homeless. So far, nearly 90% of participants kept their housing.
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Analysis of a major homelessness enforcement policy, first reported by LAist, found 41.18 zones have failed to keep areas clear of encampments and get people housed.
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The report looks at one of the council’s most controversial laws, a rule known as 41.18. Since 2021, council members have designated public areas in their district where unhoused people cannot sit, lie down, sleep, or keep belongings.
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Three top officials have left the L.A. Homeless Services Authority in recent weeks without press releases announcing the moves, LAist has learned.