While building new homes and apartments in Los Angeles will help people in need of an affordable place to live, all of a community's residents can benefit from growth when it is well planned.
Create a jobs/ housing balance. Because of the high cost of housing, many workers are forced to live far away from their jobs and commute long distances everyday. This adds to the region's traffic congestion and air pollution, while robbing many people of time with their loved ones. When new homes and apartments are developed near jobs, it allows many people to shorten their commutes while reducing traffic and air pollution.
Attract skilled workers. Los Angeles is at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining highly skilled workers due to the high cost of housing. Many large employers in Southern California, including universities and major medical centers, face difficulties in recruiting talented workers because many potential employees cannot afford to buy a home here. By building more homes and apartments, Los Angeles can better compete with other cities that have more affordable housing.
Address homelessness and overcrowding. High rents have led to a rise in both overcrowding and homelessness. One third of families and individuals live in overcrowded conditions in Los Angeles. On any given night, over 80,000 people are homeless countywide. Building more affordable homes and apartments can help alleviate these two conditions that negatively impact the health of our communities.
» Learn more about homelessness and overcrowding in L.A.
