Posted on 01/06/2025
3 ISSUES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2025
1. Trump’s Impact on LA – Immigration and Funding
Trump is already threatening local and state officials over his deportation and family separation plans. Los Angeles, which relies on federal funding every year, faces the threat of losing essential resources that support everything from healthcare to housing to education.
We need to work with our state and federal representatives, and bolster our own defenses to fight back if Trump tries to illegally withhold funding from LA.
2. Fixing Rent Control
Starting February 1, landlords for rent-stabilized units will be permitted to increase rents by 4-6%, depending on if the landlord pays utilities.
Nearly all other local jurisdictions don’t allow rent increases this high for rent controlled units, and even an outside report and the city’s own housing department agree that our system is broken. But for rent-controlled units, increases each year currently range from 3% to 10%.
We need to do everything we can to make housing more affordable for all Angelenos, and we need to fix our rent control system so 3% is the maximum rent increase, not the minimum.
3. The Olympics
If LA is going to host the Olympics in 2028, a lot needs to change. The entire model of the Olympics over the years has prioritized profit for outside CEOs and billionaire corporations at the expense of working people. We need to make every decision with one question in mind: how does this benefit LA?
We need to tackle homelessness, make it safer and easier to get around the city, and ensure local jobs aren’t outsourced to multinational corporations – all while racing against the clock and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars of debt.
This year, we’re joining City Council’s Olympics Committee for the first time, so stay tuned for more on this topic soon.
One More Quick Hit!
1. Volunteer for the Annual Homeless Count, January 21-23
The annual Homeless Count helps secure the local, state, and federal resources LA needs to address homelessness compassionately and sustainably. An accurate count is essential for funding the programs and services that bring people off the streets.
This vital effort depends on community volunteers. Even one night of your time can make a huge difference. Sign up at count.lahsa.org to help.
This vital effort depends on community volunteers. Even one night of your time can make a huge difference. Sign up at count.lahsa.org to help.