Los Angeles Plans to Build 250,000 New Homes, But Not Everyone Agrees
The Los Angeles City Council is set to discuss a big housing plan on December 10. This plan aims to rezone parts of the city and create over 250,000 new homes. While the idea sounds promising, some critics believe it may not fully address the housing needs of the city.
City officials have until February to approve a plan that meets state housing rules and increases affordable housing. To tackle this, the council will review the Citywide Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) ordinance.
What is the CHIP Ordinance?
The CHIP ordinance is designed to encourage housing construction by giving developers certain benefits. For example, developers could get breaks on building height limits and parking requirements. Extra incentives would be offered for projects built near transit, jobs, or good schools. Projects that are entirely affordable housing would receive even more benefits.
City officials believe this approach could increase housing in “high-opportunity communities,” like commercial areas or places with existing multi-family homes. However, this may make already crowded areas even more packed.
Protections for Renters
Another part of the plan focuses on renters. Low-income tenants displaced by new construction would have the right to return to their homes at their old rent or a rate based on their income. Renters would also get better relocation assistance if they need to move.
Initially, the city considered rezoning single-family neighborhoods—which make up 72% of Los Angeles—to allow more housing projects. However, homeowners pushed back, and the council decided against it for now. Still, the City Council could revisit this option in the future.
Will This Plan Be Enough?
A report from UCLA suggests that the CHIP ordinance could help Los Angeles meet state housing requirements. But researchers worry that excluding single-family neighborhoods from the rezoning plan might prevent the city from hitting its housing production goals. This could also make it harder to ensure fair housing for everyone, as required by state law.
City officials describe the CHIP ordinance as a fair and climate-friendly way to boost housing. But whether it will solve the housing crisis remains to be seen.
What do you think about this plan? Will it help Los Angeles tackle its housing challenges, or do you think more needs to be done? Share your thoughts!