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David Wagner
What I cover
I cover housing in Southern California, a place where ever-rising rents and a persistent lack of affordable housing have led to many living on the edge of homelessness.
My background
I’ve been helping people understand their rights, housing market trends, policy changes and the solutions being proposed to fix the region’s housing crisis for more than five years.
My goals
I want my coverage to help renters, landlords and anyone else affected by L.A.’s affordability issues navigate the region’s ongoing housing crisis.
Best way to reach me
I would love to hear from you if you have questions or concerns related to housing in Southern California. You can reach out by email. I'm at dwagner@laist.com. Or, if you have a tip you’d like to share more privately, you can reach me on Signal. My username is @reporterdavidwagner.38. For instructions on getting started with Signal, see the app's support page.
Stories by David Wagner
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Cannabis business owners in Los Angeles say banning vaping products at licensed shops would push customers to black market shops.
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The city is falling far short of its goals when it comes to new low-income housing development. But it's doing an even worse job on housing for the middle class.
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California lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor’s desk that could bring about big changes for many jobs throughout the state.
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By some measures, California is the wealthiest state in the country. But new data shows that California still has a higher poverty rate than any other state.
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Older workers may be able to find new opportunities in the gig economy. But research shows that on certain platforms, they’re making less than younger workers.
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Grocery employers and workers’ unions have announced a deal to raise wages for tens of thousands of employees across Southern California.
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It’s not just a new kind of work. It can also be a cushion for those who can’t rely on their main job to make ends meet.
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The sharp decline in recycling centers means many customers have to travel farther to earn what can be a crucial source of income.
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Last year, California passed a new law allowing home cooks to sell meals out of their own kitchens. But so far, only Riverside County is handing out permits.
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Californians have to earn nearly $35 an hour in order to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment and still have enough left over for other expenses.
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Nearly half of Section 8 participants in L.A. end up losing their housing vouchers because they can’t find any landlords who will take them.
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Immigrants tend to take more risks than people born in California when it comes to starting a business. Here’s why that’s a good thing for the state’s economy.
