The Westside Needs Affordable Homes
The Westside of Los Angeles is one of the most desirable and affluent areas in the city, and is home to many major employers and cultural institutions. Unfortunately, the high cost of housing in the area is a major barrier to entry for many people, including young professionals, senior citizens, and low-income residents.
Current research by UCLA’s Lewis Center shows that increasing the supply of housing in the Westside is key to addressing the affordability crisis. The Westside has been slow to add new housing, with many neighborhoods using zoning regulations to limit density and preserve the character of the area.
This has led to a situation where the Westside is home to some of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country, with many residents spending a large portion of their income on housing.
Here’s why we need more homes:
Lower the financial burden. According to the UCLA report mentioned above, Los Angeles County households spend an average of 47% of their income on housing, far above the recommended threshold of 30%.
Reduce inflow to homelessness. The lack of affordable housing can lead to homelessness and displacement. Many low-income families, students, and elderly people are being pushed out of the area, unable to find affordable housing. This not only harms those individuals and families, but also weakens the social fabric of the community.
Help the environment. Better planning for homes would help reduce traffic congestion by allowing people to live closer to their jobs and other amenities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing commuting distances, and create more diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. Furthermore, many of the areas of the Westside with the greatest potential for new housing, such as Santa Monica, Culver City, and Venice, since more public transportation is available than ever before.
It’s time to make sure that housing becomes more affordable and accessible again on the westside.
