Los Angeles Times Agrees - No on Measure S

by Gary Toebben

"Measure S would block the construction of new and much-needed housing ... Measure S would make it harder to address homelessness ... Measure S would also stifle economic development in communities that want the development."  - Los Angeles Times Editorial Board, 2/11/17

The largest, most diverse coalition of business, labor, elected officials, civic leaders and non-profits has been communicating with voters for months how dangerous Measure S is to the future of our city. This past weekend, the Los Angeles Times editorial board weighed in, strongly urging a NO vote. While acknowledging the issues that laid the groundwork for the measure, the editorial board stated in no uncertain terms that "Measure S isn't a solution to L.A.'s housing woes, it's a childish middle finger to City Hall."

Calling the two-year moratorium “unreasonable and irresponsible,” the L.A. Times outlined how construction supply hasn’t kept up with demand, leading to skyrocketing rents, which this measure will only exacerbate. Without the ability to build on underutilized sites, which normally need a plan amendment or variance outlawed by Measure S, displacement of residents will actually increase. Additionally, thousands of units of permanent supportive housing approved by voters though Measure HHH in November would be blocked by Measure S.

Meanwhile, just last week, City Council took a major step forward in seeking to address the underlying planning issues that have led to uncertainty for neighbors and property owners alike. The Council unanimously agreed on a time table and a plan to fund and update all 35 community plans every six years, bringing each document up to date by 2024. These plans will open the door to community-wide discussions with Angelenos' regarding their vision for our city and their neighborhoods. Updated community plans will create certainty for residents and businesses alike.

With this commitment from the City to bring more urgency and transparency to the planning process, there is no reason at all to support Measure S. The harm to our housing supply, vulnerable populations and economy could last a decade. I urge you to read the L.A. Times editorial, share it with your friends and colleagues and on March 7, vote NO on Measure S.

And that's The Business Perspective.

*Correction: In last week’s Business Perspective, which listed the candidates the L.A. Jobs PAC has endorsed, we erroneously left out an endorsement of Councilman Bob Blumenfield for District 3. The PAC endorsed Bob for his strong advocacy of digitally upgrading the City and his laser focus on economic development in the communities he represents.