A new poll found that Los Angeles voters are in favor of building more housing in the city, but they’re not sure it will benefit them or reduce the costs of housing in their neighborhoods.
The 2024 LABC Institute Housing Affordability Survey, done in partnership with the Los Angeles Times, surveyed 600 voters from April 3 to 7.
The poll found that by a 2 to 1 margin voters are on board with building new housing in Los Angeles despite not being convinced it will help lower prices.
It also found that at least 80% of those surveyed favored building affordable housing in general and apartments for veterans, public service workers, low-income seniors, and low-income families with children. Two-thirds were in favor of building long-term housing with social services for homeless people.
One woman told KNX News’ Jon Baird she was in favor of building more housing.
“I think that we need to get more housing, more affordable housing because without it, I mean, we have so many homeless and so many people that seniors that can't afford to live anymore,” she said. “And without that, L.A. is just going to keep getting more and more homeless.”
One man, however, said it depends on the neighborhood.
“I think there are certain neighborhoods that you definitely don't want to ruin the integrity of by putting new apartments in. Obviously some of the more historical areas,” he said. “But I also think that there is plenty of area in the L.A. area where apartments could be built that could definitely help out the housing shortage and high prices.”
The same poll found that 60% of Los Angeles residents considered moving because of the cost of living.
Will homeownership in Southern California ever be affordable again? Join us for our next KNX News Town Hall, “Priced Out of SoCal," on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. from Audacy's Sound Space on the Miracle Mile.
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