IN-PERSON Manchester Livable Cities

Abstract

Throughout the 20th century, California’s favorable climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, booming economy, and affordable housing attracted large numbers of immigrants from other states and countries. However, for the first time, the state is experiencing a population decline due to a lack of housing to meet current needs. A combination of factors, including rising land and construction costs, high state and local taxes, restrictive zoning policies, stringent environmental regulations, and persistent strong demand, is driving businesses and lower-income residents to seek more affordable alternatives elsewhere. In response to these challenges, many California cities, such as Los Angeles, are reevaluating their development strategies and promoting densification. A region that has long been celebrated for its single-family homes is now gaining attention for well-designed multi-family housing projects, many of which cater to its most vulnerable residents. Recent developments addressing the housing crisis feature simple, attractive infill complexes with courtyards and single-loaded corridors. This paper examines these housing projects in Los Angeles and argues that effectively addressing affordability requires considering the overall cost of living. Thus, new developments should be serviced by accessible public transportation, cultural institutions, parks, healthcare facilities, schools, and job educational centers. These services are, however, unevenly distributed in Los Angeles, which limits the locations where low-income housing can be established. To address this issue and avoid stigmatization in areas where affordable housing is concentrated due to the availability of support systems, we need to develop new infrastructure in the city’s underserved neighborhoods.