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LA County Aims to End Veteran Homelessness by 2028

County Approves Action Plan to Help Homeless Veterans

Los Angeles County Supervisors have approved a new plan to eliminate veteran homelessness by 2028. The plan focuses on faster housing access, fewer bureaucratic delays, and stronger coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn, who authored the plan, called it a moral duty to help those who served the country but now live on the streets. The motion passed 4-0 on November 18, with one supervisor absent.

Red Tape Slowing Progress

Despite ongoing efforts, veterans still face major delays. Hahn said county systems are fragmented, and veterans often struggle with confusing paperwork, inconsistent entry points, and slow verification processes.

One of the biggest problems is verifying someone is a veteran. The new plan calls for the VA to allow self-referral, which could reduce long wait times for housing.

Coordinated Efforts with State and Federal Partners

Jim Zenner, director of the county’s Military and Veterans Affairs office, said the key to success is close collaboration with the VA and state agencies.

“We believe we can get it done,” Zenner told the board. “We are going to get it done.”

Plan Highlights

The plan includes several steps:

Faster verification: Let veterans self-identify to speed up access to housing.
Build near workplaces: Find out where veterans work and build housing nearby.
Coordinate healthcare: Improve mental health and substance abuse services by aligning county and VA resources.
Support veterans with pets: Remove barriers that prevent veterans from bringing pets into housing.

Veteran Homelessness Trends

There were about 3,050 unhoused veterans in LA County in 2025. That’s down from 3,878 in 2023, but slightly higher than the 2,991 counted in 2024. The plan is expected to help resume the downward trend.

The overall homeless population in the county is over 72,000, according to a February 2025 count. Unsheltered homelessness dropped by 9.5% from the previous year.

Focus on High-Need Communities

Hahn said many homeless veterans are Black or Latino, living in areas like Compton, South Gate, East LA, and Inglewood. These communities face higher unemployment, poverty, and limited VA healthcare access.

Real-World Example in San Pedro

Hahn highlighted a successful project in San Pedro, where an old motel was turned into a veteran resource center. About 60 veterans lived there temporarily while transitioning into permanent housing.

“They just needed a safe, clean place to stay,” Hahn said. “They’ve gone back to school or found work.”

Call for Broader Support

Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported the motion and said the city and county must align their efforts.

“The words ‘homeless’ and ‘veteran’ should never be in the same sentence,” Barger said.

Where to Get Help

Veterans in need can call 310-268-3350 Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For help after hours, dial 2-1-1.

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LADOT Launches Mobility Action Plan

The City of Los Angeles is developing its first Mobility Action Plan (MAP), which will guide how LA invests in streets, sidewalks, transit, biking, and walking. The MAP will produce two transportation investment plans to help the City prioritize projects and coordinate resources: a five-year plan with funded projects beginning in 2028, and a 20-year plan identifying long-range capital needs.

LADOT is gathering input from Angelenos to ensure the MAP reflects real community needs. By sharing your experiences and priorities, you’ll help shape a transportation system that is safer, more accessible, and more connected for everyone.

Participate by Wednesday, December 26, 2025 for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

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LAX Votes to Build New $1.5 Billion Road Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Project Will Separate Local and Airport Traffic, but Concerns Remain

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with a major new construction project at LAX. On Thursday, they approved more than $1 billion in additional funding for elevated roadways that will separate airport-bound traffic from local streets. The total project cost is $1.5 billion.

Supporters say the project will reduce congestion and improve safety. Critics question the timing, cost, and need.

Why LAX Says It’s Needed

LAX officials say the current road network creates traffic bottlenecks, especially along Sepulveda Boulevard. “Each path into the airport causes pinch points and backups,” said Emery Molnar, an executive overseeing the project.

The plan will create or upgrade 4.4 miles of roads leading in and out of the airport. Some parts are expected to be completed before the 2028 Olympic Games. Others, including landscaping and exit roads, won’t be done until spring 2030.

This roadway expansion is part of a larger $30 billion capital improvement plan at LAX.

Why Some Residents and Experts Oppose It

Before the vote, residents and transportation advocates voiced concern. Cord Thomas, a resident of Westchester, told commissioners: “This is a project that may have made sense 10 years ago, but it’s no longer necessary.”

Critics point out that:

LAX passenger traffic has not fully recovered since the pandemic.
The project may encourage more driving, similar to what happened with the 405 Freeway expansion.
The pick-up and drop-off areas inside the airport remain the real bottleneck.

Captain Kenneth Ehrenberg of the U.S. Space Force said the plan does not address the core traffic issue: congestion inside the central terminal loop.

Cost to Angeleno Taxpayers

Although LAX is largely funded through user fees, airport bonds, and federal dollars, city residents still bear indirect costs:

The project will affect surrounding traffic and construction zones for years.
The city is exposed to risk if the project goes over budget, as it did with the Automated People Mover.
Public trust is affected when costs climb and deadlines are missed.

So far, over $600 million has already been approved for early construction.

History of Delays and Cost Overruns

One of the contractors selected, FlatironDragados, is also part of the LINXS consortium building the LAX Automated People Mover. That train was supposed to open in 2023. It has been delayed until at least 2025. Disputes between LINXS and the city have added nearly $880 million in unexpected costs.

Critics say this history raises red flags about whether the new roadways project will be delivered on time and within budget.

What’s Next

Despite opposition, the project moves ahead. It has support from:

The local City Council district
Labor unions
The airport-area business improvement district, including hotels and parking companies

There is no indication that the Board of Airport Commissioners plans to pause or reassess the project.

More info about this can be found at https://laist.com/transportation/new-road-into-lax

A full chamber during a recent Los Angeles City Council meeting on budget matters.

City Council Approves Plan to Cut $263M Budget Gap

Los Angeles Addresses Mid-Year Budget Deficit

Three months into the 2025–26 fiscal year, the Los Angeles City Council has approved a plan to manage a projected $263 million budget gap. This shortfall is linked to unexpected spending across several departments.

In a unanimous vote, the council authorized $14.19 million to cover urgent expenses. This includes $1.36 million for outside legal counsel through December and nearly $6 million for fire debris cleanup and stormwater infrastructure repairs. Officials also outlined $169.41 million in potential budget actions to help bring the overspending down to $80 million by year’s end.

Revenue Outpacing Projections

While expenditures have surged, city revenue is tracking $80 million ahead of forecasts. Taxes on sales, properties, businesses, utilities, and real estate are higher than expected. However, hotel tax revenue lags behind by $3.3 million due to reduced tourism from countries like China and Canada. Officials cautioned that property tax collections could still fluctuate due to the Palisades Fire.

The city plans to transfer $10 million to its reserve fund, which began the year at $401.9 million. That reserve currently stands at 4.91% of the general fund, slightly below the 5% target.

Pressure to Contain Department Spending

According to City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo, the city’s position is better than last year at this time, but challenges remain. He urged departments not to request interim budget increases or loans. His office has already received 29 pending requests totaling $130.4 million.

The biggest spending increases have come from:

Los Angeles Fire Department: $87.6 million
City Attorney’s Office: $34.2 million
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD): $27.7 million

An additional $30.09 million is needed for trash collection services due to delays in rate changes.

LAPD Hiring Under Scrutiny

LAPD’s hiring plans are a key contributor to the overspending. The department expects to onboard 410 new recruits by summer 2026, which is 170 more than the 240 officers approved in this year’s budget. About $3.56 million of the LAPD’s overspending is directly tied to those hiring efforts.

Councilmembers voiced concern that, despite the need for more officers, hiring beyond the approved number would require cutting services or staff elsewhere. They emphasized that without new funding, hiring must stop once the 240-officer threshold is reached.

“We have to be grown up here. Every dollar only has 100 pennies, and the budget has to mean something,” said Councilman Tim McOsker.

Looking Ahead

Mayor Karen Bass has prioritized growing LAPD’s ranks as Los Angeles prepares for major global events like the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics. The Police Protective League has expressed support for the mayor’s hiring push and said it trusts city leaders to find the funds needed.

Still, Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez suggested LAPD explore whether it could fund the hiring from within its own budget. Other councilmembers agreed that managing current spending is essential to avoid deeper cuts in the future.

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Take the Charter Reform Commission Survey

The City of Los Angeles is planning to update its City Charter — the local “constitution” that sets the rules for how the City’s government operates. These updates may address topics such as ethics (fairness and honesty), development decisions (including housing and building approvals), budgeting (the planning and allocation of funds), and representation (the process of drawing City Council districts). The Charter Commission wants to hear from you and has a survey to gather feedback. Your insight will inform how leaders approach these potential reforms. As a thank you, there is an optional $50 opportunity drawing you can enter. For questions about the survey or assistance filling out the survey, please contact: ReformLAcharter@lacity.org.

Survey Link

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Shine LA clean up, resource fair, and free trees Athens on the Hill – Sat. November 22

The next Shine LA clean up event for Harbor Gateway North will be held on Sat. November 22 from 9 am to 12 noon at 12301 S. Denver in the Athens on the Hill neighborhood (HGNNC District 5). Resource tables will also be present, including from Sanitation, 311, and Harbor Gateway North. The Office of Mayor Karen Bass will provide snacks and bottled water for volunteers as well as gloves, tools, and trash bags.

Students attending the event can receive community service credits.

Sign up for the Harbor Gateway North location using the QR code on the flyer or sign up here and select Athens on the Hill.

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Lifts Emergency Declaration on Homelessness

“The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass says

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has lifted the city’s local emergency declaration on homelessness, a measure she signed on her first day in office. While the crisis continues, Bass stated that the city now has the tools to maintain momentum without the special powers granted by the order.

In a memo to the City Council, Bass said she would not hesitate to reinstate the declaration if needed. Her decision comes as council members discuss how to gradually wind down the emergency powers.

“Therefore, with the city firmly pointed in a new direction on homelessness, I am lifting the official declaration of a state of emergency. Let me be clear: The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass wrote. “Every day, we will continue to be on the streets, engaging with people living in encampments and RVs, bringing people Inside Safe and restoring neighborhoods across Los Angeles.”

The emergency order allowed the mayor to fast-track contracts and launch Inside Safe, her signature homelessness response program. She also signed Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for homeless shelters and affordable housing. The city is now working to formalize that directive into law.

Bass cited progress in her decision, pointing to Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority data showing a second straight year of reduced homelessness, including a 17% drop in people living on the streets.

The City Council had most recently extended the declaration in August. Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Monica Rodriguez have since led efforts to end it. Under the City Charter, the Council must vote on emergency declarations at least every 90 days.

Council reports requested during the last extension aimed to ensure smooth transitions for service providers and housing operations if the emergency ended.

Emergency declarations allow the mayor to bypass bidding rules and speed up contracts tied to the crisis. But continuing a declaration requires regular evaluation of its impact. Key indicators include encampment reductions, more housing placements, and increased affordable housing.

McOsker acknowledged the declaration helped break through bureaucracy during a critical time. “That declaration was necessary and effective, but emergency declarations are meant to be temporary,” he said. “At some point those powers must conclude.”

He added that lifting the order allows the city to shift toward more standard procedures, improving transparency and public accountability. “Ending the emergency restores normal rules for contracts and property use, giving residents better visibility on how public resources are spent.”

The Council is also creating a new bureau within the Housing Department to oversee homelessness programs and spending.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County is withdrawing over $300 million in Measure A funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and plans to move staff to support a new homelessness department.

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Emergency Food & Financial Help Available for All Angelenos

The City of Los Angeles is offering emergency financial assistance and free weekly food distribution through its FamilySource Centers. This support is available to anyone affected by delayed CalFresh benefits or other financial challenges.

Services Offered

Free food and grocery assistance
Help with rent and utility bills
Mental health and wellness services
Referrals to essential programs and support resources

All services are free.
No appointments are required.
No questions are asked about immigration status.

How to Get Help

Visit LA4Families.org to find your nearest FamilySource Center. There you can access the services listed above or ask for help with other needs.

Weekly Food Distribution

Fresh produce, pantry staples, and household groceries are available at locations across Los Angeles. Walk-ins are welcome. Food is given out while supplies last.

Some locations include:

Boyle Heights (Mondays)
Echo Park (Wednesdays)
Canoga Park (fourth Fridays)
Koreatown (second Fridays)
North Hollywood (Fridays)
Hollywood (multiple November dates)

LA County Declares Emergency Over Immigration Raids

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to declare a local state of emergency in response to federal immigration raids that have shaken immigrant communities and caused economic hardship.

The declaration passed by a 4 to 1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposing.

The emergency status gives the board authority to offer rent relief and other assistance to residents who have lost income due to the raids. Many families have avoided public spaces out of fear. Others have lost income after family members were detained at bus stops, job sites, and other locations.

Supervisor Janice Hahn said her office has received calls from residents who still don’t know where their family members are.

“We have residents afraid to leave their homes, we have constituents contacting my office because their family members never came home and they don’t know if they’ve been taken by ICE or where they’ve been taken,” Hahn said. “We have entire families who are destitute because their fathers or mothers have been taken from their workplaces and they have no way to pay their rent or put food on their table.”

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the motion, said the raids have disrupted neighborhoods and small businesses across the county. In August, more than 5,000 arrests were made in Los Angeles as part of an ongoing federal crackdown. About one-third of LA County’s 10 million residents are foreign-born.

Some cities canceled Fourth of July events and movie nights this summer as attendance dropped due to safety concerns.

According to Horvath’s office, rent relief will be distributed through an online portal expected to launch within two months. The declaration also allows the county to seek state funding for legal aid and support services. While this move does not enact an eviction moratorium, it could lead to one with separate action from the board.

Supervisor Barger voted no. She said the raids do not meet the legal definition of an emergency and raised concerns about the impact on landlords.

“I’m sure we’re going to be challenged legally,” Barger said, referencing lawsuits from the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.

During public comment, several speakers said they oppose another eviction freeze. Daniel Yukelson, CEO of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, said landlords are still recovering from billions of dollars in unpaid rent and lost income during the pandemic.

“If local jurisdictions once again allow rent payments to be deferred due to ICE enforcement activities, this will lead to the further deterioration and loss of affordable housing in our community,” Yukelson said.

“Housing providers are sympathetic to tenants and their family members affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities,” he said, “but the association isn’t aware of anyone unable to pay rent because of immigration enforcement.”

The emergency declaration comes after weeks of protests and reports of National Guard and Marine deployments to assist with enforcement. Residents and advocates say it has caused widespread fear and financial instability in communities across Los Angeles County.

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LA City Council approved an increase in parking meter rates, the first since 2014

The council authorized a 50 cent increase to parking meter rates across the city, from 1.00 to 1.50

The Los Angeles City Council voted 10 to 0 to raise parking meter rates citywide. Meters will move from 1.00 to 1.50. LADOT will also extend meter hours, with high activity areas running to midnight and most other metered blocks running to 8 p.m., subject to case by case exceptions. Sunday enforcement is planned. The city says full rollout may take up to six months as meters and signs are updated.

The Council asked LADOT to report every five years with recommendations that align meter zone rates with the consumer price index. City staff noted that nearby cities already charge daily for on street parking, including Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.

City-owned lots are changing too. Twenty eight facilities that are currently free will become paid, set at 0.25 per 30 minutes with a 5.00 daily maximum. Within 90 days, LADOT will return with a proposal for a fee schedule for Preferential Parking District permits. Current residential permits cost 34.00 per year, with a limit of three per household.

The city estimates about 14.4 million in additional revenue from the meter increase and at least 1.7 million from new lot fees in fiscal year 2025 to 2026. These actions are part of a broader plan to address a budget shortfall.

In related action, the Council directed the City Attorney, Sanitation, and Street Services to clarify penalties for trash bins left blocking sidewalks or streets. Options under review include adding fines to utility bills or using tools beyond standard citations. Recommendations will return to Council for consideration.

For meter hours, permits, and Council actions, refer to LADOT and City links. LADOT Parking Information, citations, and meter hours: https://ladot.lacity.org. Preferential Parking District permits: https://ladot.lacity.org/parking/parking-permits.