The City Council today unanimously approved my motion directing the City to explore social housing models to help address the region's tremendous affordable housing crisis.

What is social housing? Permanently affordable, mixed income, resident-controlled housing. It is housing built for the benefit of the public, and not for the benefit of speculative interests. Think of it as the equivalent of a "public option" for housing.

Why do we need it? LA needs at least 500,000 units of affordable (low income & workforce) housing. Coaxing the private sector with tax credits, subsidies and zoning incentives ain't cutting it. Without a model specifically designed to create affordable housing, we won't get it.

Social housing is popular and successful in Europe & Asia. Unlike in the US, which neglects public housing, it's not last resort housing. Three-fifths of Vienna residents live in it - & 80% of Austria qualifies because it is mixed income, with rent determined by ability to pay.

There are different forms of financing, and the housing can be managed by community land trusts, tenant coops, nonprofits, or other agencies. Done right, is is located near parks, mass transit and other amenities. It is not just about housing; it is about community.

Social housing may be new to the U.S. -- but it sure as hell is better than what's happening now -- a homelessness crisis exploding, a tsunami of evictions coming, and millions living in substandard housing.

Social housing is part of a broader strategy of a #HomesGuarantee for everyone. Providing more affordable housing. Stopping evictions. Keeping people in their homes. Curbing speculation and preventing displacement. Bringing unhoused people indoors. https://bit.ly/3eoyfNw 

In a city with thousands of encampments, still reeling from a pandemic and an economic collapse, making sure everyone has an affordable place to live is one of our most urgent objectives: