Tackling California’s Affordable Housing Shortage: The Case of Lorena Plaza
Tackling California’s Affordable Housing Shortage
For decades, California has struggled with a persistent affordable housing shortage. While the state has its allure with its warm weather and abundant outdoor amenities, the severe housing crunch has driven many residents to inland communities and lower-cost states. One example that highlights the challenges of affordable housing in California is the Lorena Plaza project in Los Angeles.
The Delayed Construction of Lorena Plaza
In the Boyle Heights neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles, a 49-unit apartment complex called Lorena Plaza faced significant delays in getting off the ground. In 2007, A Community of Friends, a local nonprofit organization, was given land to build the affordable housing development. However, construction only began about a year ago. The project experienced multiple setbacks due to the need for various approvals and higher construction costs. The complex regulations in California played a major role in the prolonged delay.
Mayor Karen Bass’s Efforts
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has made it a priority to obtain project approvals in a timely manner and address the housing crisis. In December, she expressed frustration with the slow progress of Lorena Plaza, emphasizing the need for policy reforms to effectively address homelessness. Bass has focused on prioritizing projects with affordable units but acknowledges the necessity for more subsidies to build additional buildings. Moreover, she has introduced changes in Los Angeles to streamline the approval process for affordable housing projects, with the aim of minimizing delays.
The State’s Housing Crisis and Recent Changes
The state of California aims to build 450,000 new units of housing by 2029, according to The Los Angeles Times. Despite these efforts, the shortage of housing remains a significant obstacle. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority estimates that approximately 46,000 people in the city experience homelessness. To address this crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws in October to help ease the state’s housing shortage. These include measures to expedite environmental appeals and streamline zoning approvals for affordable housing projects.
Looking Ahead
While progress is being made to tackle the affordable housing shortage, there is still much work to be done in California. Policies implemented by Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom signal a commitment to addressing the housing crisis, but continued efforts and innovative solutions are necessary to meet the needs of California residents in the face of complex regulations and lengthy approval processes.
