By the summer of 2023, plans were laid out for nearly 2,400 new apartments aimed at low- and moderate-income residents in the San Fernando Valley, an area notably lacking such housing compared to other parts of Los Angeles. These projects, proposed under Mayor Karen Bass’ initiative to foster affordable growth, were unique in that they did not rely on public subsidies, a rarity for low-income housing developments.
However, just 18 months later, most of these projects have been scrapped, with none having broken ground. After significant opposition in City Hall and legal disputes, only four developments—representing about one-third of the original units—are now advancing, and they do so against the wishes of Mayor Bass and a majority of the City Council.
The struggle to move these affordable housing projects forward highlights a contentious issue in Los Angeles politics: the push to build on land traditionally reserved for single-family homes. This has incited strong opposition from local homeowners concerned about increased traffic, parking shortages, and the potential disruption of their community’s character. Critics argue that developers exploited a loophole in the mayor’s initiative to propose apartments in areas where such density was never intended. In contrast, other affordable housing projects located in areas designated for multifamily developments are proceeding with less resistance.
City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield remarked, “The reality of these [projects] was that the impact was disproportionate. It wasn’t by design. It was by opportunism.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among some council members about the city’s commitment to addressing its housing crisis.
Councilmember Nithya Raman, who chairs the housing and homelessness committee, expressed concern that the political environment in Los Angeles often rewards those who oppose development rather than support it. “I think we need to change that culture. We have to move to being a city that says yes to housing to preserve the city’s future,” she stated.
In December 2022, shortly after taking office, Mayor Bass issued Executive Directive 1, aimed at expediting the approval process for 100% affordable housing developments by eliminating various bureaucratic hurdles. This directive was initially well-received, with nearly 24,000 units approved for construction. However, it did not clarify the eligibility of single-family home parcels, leading some developers to combine the directive with state laws to propose projects on such land.
As the proposals became public, backlash from homeowner groups intensified. In June 2023, Bass revised the directive to prohibit new projects on single-family zoned properties, effectively halting the plans for the ten proposed developments, including a significant 611-unit project in Woodland Hills.
The ensuing political battles and legal challenges revealed deep divisions over the future of housing in Los Angeles. Nearly three-quarters of the city’s residentially zoned land is designated for single-family homes, and proposals to rezone for higher density face fierce opposition from homeowners who fear that such changes would overwhelm their neighborhoods.
The city planning department initially deemed some of the projects eligible under the mayor’s order but reversed this decision after the directive was amended. Developers appealed these decisions, and the state Department of Housing and Community Development urged the City Council to approve the projects, asserting that they were in compliance with existing laws.
The first project to be debated was a 200-unit development in Sherman Oaks, which ultimately received approval. However, subsequent projects faced rejection from the council, reflecting the ongoing contention surrounding these housing initiatives.
Legal action ensued, with YIMBY Law, a nonprofit advocating for housing development, suing the city over the rejected projects. In court, city attorneys argued that the revised directive clarified that multifamily projects were not allowed on single-family parcels. However, judges ruled against the city, stating that the changes were not consistent with the original directive’s intent.
The first of these projects to settle was in Sherman Oaks, where the developer agreed to reduce the building height from seven to six stories. Currently, only four projects are cleared for construction, none of which are situated in the midst of established single-family neighborhoods.
As these developments progress, the income restrictions for potential tenants are designed to ensure affordability. For instance, a single individual could earn up to $77,600 and rent a studio for $1,942, while a couple could earn up to $88,720 for a one-bedroom unit priced at $2,080.
Despite the ongoing push for affordable housing, some community members remain opposed to the changes, arguing that preserving single-family home areas is essential to maintaining community identity and cohesion. As the city grapples with its housing crisis, the tensions between development and community preservation continue to shape the future of Los Angeles.