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Can Los Angeles Housing Leaders Afford to Say No?
The demand for housing in Los Angeles is at a breaking point as permits fall to alarming lows, just as essential reforms are on the table. With rising rents and a surge in homelessness, the stakes couldn't be higher. Governor Gavin Newsom faces a critical choice regarding Senate Bill 79, proposed by Senator Scott Wiener, which aims to facilitate housing development near transportation hubs. This legislation is crucial for addressing California's pressing housing, climate, and transportation needs.
Tracking the Housing Crisis: A Look at the Numbers
In a shocking reality, LA is experiencing a substantial drop in housing permits, reaching a 10-year low. Reports indicate that while New York City — with its larger population — is set to approve around 50,000 new housing units this year, LA languished with only 3,100 permits approved as of mid-July. This staggering contrast highlights not only an urgent need for reform but also calls into question the city's commitment to addressing its housing crisis.
The Role of State Legislation in Housing Development
Interestingly, most of the new housing that does get approved in LA stems from state mandates, rather than local initiatives. Policies like California’s density bonus law and the legalization of accessory dwelling units have pushed construction forward when city leaders have faltered. If it weren't for these legislative measures, LA might find itself constructing even fewer homes at a time when the housing crisis demands action.
Local Resistance: The NIMBYs Have Their Say
Despite overwhelming need, several influential Los Angeles leaders are actually urging Governor Newsom to veto SB 79. Mayor Karen Bass, along with Councilmember Traci Park and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, stand at the forefront of this opposition. Their reasons, while framed as protective of community integrity, seem to impede the faster construction of necessary housing. It's a classic NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) scenario where local leaders prioritize maintaining the status quo over urgently needed growth.
A Take on Community Needs vs. Development
It is important to consider the broader implications of obstructing SB 79. As city leaders like Bass argue that the bill undermines a 'pro-housing' stance, one has to question: If LA is genuinely committed to affordable housing, why is its permit record among the worst in the state? There is fear that prioritizing local interests will lead to more displacement and inflated housing costs, perpetuating the cycle of homelessness and rising rents.
Future Perspectives: The Path Forward
If California is to have any hope of alleviating its housing crisis, Governor Newsom needs to prioritize state-level interests that facilitate housing development. SB 79 represents a pivotal opportunity to steer California away from its tradition of local obstructionism, ensuring that homes are built where they are most needed—in transit-rich urban areas. By enabling construction near jobs and public transport, the bill aligns with sustainable city planning principles that can only benefit residents in the long run.
Call to Action: Community Engagement is Key
Residents of Bakersfield and surrounding areas need to understand the profound impact of LA housing policy on their own communities. Increased housing development not only influences supply in urban areas but also holds the potential to stabilize housing costs statewide. It’s time to engage and advocate for policies that prioritize growth and reform, urging Governor Newsom to sign SB 79 into law.
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