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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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Two-thirds of L.A. County voucher holders live in “low-resource” areas, a Capital & Main analysis finds. Santa Monica is a rare exception. -
Back in 2023, a council member said the council had “failed” to examine alternatives after repeated problems. Three years later, plans to study it have been delayed. -
The federal housing bill does a lot of little things. Supporters hope it will put a dent in California and the nation's housing shortage. -
Last year, LAHSA rushed its homeless count results out. This year, the agency says it's waiting on the feds. -
COVID-era housing vouchers will run out of funding at the end of the year. But L.A. officials say they now have a plan to keep 4,000 families in their homes. -
Mike Kobeissi was charged after a couple displaced by the Eaton Fire said they were told the rent on a La Cañada Flintridge property he listed had increased by 38%.
