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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Efforts to collect enough signatures to place a city rent control measure on the ballot last year failed. Tenant organizers think things will be different in 2020. -
A booming economy is bringing in record revenue, but more people are living on the streets. The city has earmarked $458 million to fight homelessness. -
Drivers are turning off their apps Wednesday, joining protesters in cities across the country to call for better pay and working conditions. -
LA's City Council voted Tuesday to open the application window by early September. But many social equity candidates say they can't afford to keep waiting. -
Nearly half of the people who get a Section 8 voucher in L.A. will end up losing it because they can't find any landlords who will rent to them.
