Los Angeles Seeks a Speedier Way to Build New Affordable Housing
February 27, 2024 by The article discusses LA Mayor Karen Bass’s Executive Directive 1 (ED 1), which aims to expedite the approval process for 100% affordable housing projects by bypassing lengthy regulations and codes. This initiative has led to a pipeline of over 16,150 affordable units without new funding or subsidies, significantly reducing construction costs and approval times. However, community resistance, particularly in single-family home areas, and concerns about displacement and gentrification pose challenges. The directive’s success highlights the potential for streamlined processes to transform the housing landscape, though zoning and environmental review issues remain contentious.