July 2, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Mayor’s Push for Affordable Housing Sparks Displacement Concerns in LA

Renters Face Displacement – Advocates Call for Safeguards

By Dolores Quintana

In an effort to address the pressing need for affordable housing, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an emergency order that has, in turn, led to the displacement of residents from rent-controlled apartments, creating a significant challenge for those unable to afford relocation.

According to an article by the Los Angeles Times, scores of residents are being compelled to relocate due to Executive Directive 1, the mayor’s initiative to expedite the construction of affordable homes.

The directive, credited with accelerating the review process for over 9,000 new apartments categorized as “affordable” with specific rent caps, is under consideration for permanent implementation. If enacted into law, it would eliminate public hearings and some time-consuming reviews for projects deemed 100 percent affordable.

However, renters’ rights groups argue that the city must first implement additional safeguards to protect tenants. Instances include a South L.A. couple, immigrants from Guatemala, facing eviction from their rent-controlled granny flat, slated for demolition to make way for an affordable housing project. Despite eligibility for nearly $25,000 in relocation payments, they have encountered challenges finding affordable L.A. apartments, particularly those that permit dogs.

Maria Patiño Gutierrez, handling land-use policy for the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, expressed concern about the potential loss of apartments regulated by the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, designed to limit rent increases in older apartment buildings. She warns that if the mayor’s program becomes permanent, the number of low-cost apartments targeted for removal, especially in South L.A., will likely increase, resulting in residents being pushed out of their neighborhoods.

While Los Angeles is recognized for having robust tenant protections, renters’ rights groups advocate for additional measures to ensure that low-income renters displaced by affordable housing projects are not compelled to move to distant, more economical areas.

Advocates argue that these tenants should have access to apartments in new affordable projects developed within their communities. Responding to concerns from tenant advocates, Mayor Bass has initiated an assessment of her fast-track strategy, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to protect low-income renters while accelerating affordable housing production.

In an interview with the Times, Mayor Bass acknowledged the need to thoroughly examine the program, stating, “Now that this has come to our attention, we are going to take a microscope to the program. The goal of this is for people to live better, not to hurt people.”

Executive Directive 1 is touted as one of Mayor Bass’ greatest achievements a year into her term as mayor. From January through September, developers submitted applications to build over 12,000 affordable units, nearly double the proposals from the same period the previous year. Projects categorized as 100 percent affordable are expected to result in the demolition of 195 rent-controlled units across the city, with 46 new affordable housing units proposed for each unit being replaced, according to information from the mayor’s team.

Related Posts

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Parents Opposed to LGBTQ Books in Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Decision Could Pave Way for More Opt-Out Challenges Across the Country The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that a Maryland...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride as Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Marchers Risk Fines and Jail Under New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Gatherings Tens of thousands marched through the streets of Budapest...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

LGBTQ State Senator Scott Wiener Signals Bid to Succeed Pelosi in Congress

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Wiener Files Paperwork to Run for California’s 11th District in 2028 State Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent Democrat representing San...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Corporate Pride Pullback: Major Brands Scale Down LGBTQ+ Support Under Trump’s Second Term

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Mastercard, Target, and Others Retreat From High-Profile Campaigns as Federal Policy Shifts Shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s...

Community Seeks Answers After SF Drag Performer Detained by ICE

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Hilary Rivers Vanished After a Scheduled Immigration Appointment Members of San Francisco’s queer and trans communities gathered outside the local...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...