RAND reviews ULA impacts, Mayor's race focuses on housing, and more

The City of Santa Monica is launching a $6-million renter aid program, the City announced this week. 

The program, funded by a ballot proposition approved by Santa Monica voters in 2022, is expected to launch in Summer 2026 in partnership with The People Concern. 

The program is expected to serve approximately 150 households each year facing housing instability or risk of homelessness by providing targeted financial assistance. Eligible applicants include households earning at or below 120 percent of the area median income level, or about $126,000 annually for a single-person household or $180,000 annually for a four-person household. However, households at the greatest risk will be prioritized.

Here's what we're reading this week:

The Effects of the Measure ULA (United to House LA) Transfer Tax on Economic Development and Municipal Finances in Los Angeles "Measure ULA has raised $1.2 billion for affordable housing and tenant assistance but has reduced high-value real estate sales by 31% and housing production by over 9,000 new units through early 2026. Forgone revenue to Los Angeles and associated agencies totals $452 million. Targeted reform could generate $823 million in municipal revenue over 10 years, produce 19,000 new housing units, and preserve 72% of current ULA revenue."

Sale of Oceanwide Plaza graffiti towers in L.A. delayed "After examining KPC’s development plan and touring the property, the city has decided not to approve the plan as currently proposed, according to a recently filed document. The city wants KPC to more clearly show that it has a credible plan to get construction permits, fix blight in the near term and demonstrate that it can fund the purchase and renovation." (LA Times)

In L.A. Mayor’s Race, Housing Frustrations Take Center Stage "Contenders face an electorate that feels progress isn’t being made and more aggressive actions are sorely needed" (Commercial Observer)

Downtown L.A. businesses are in crisis. Owners want politicians to deal with it "Downtown L.A. business owners say crime and neglect are driving away customers as the June mayoral primary looms — and they’re demanding that candidates prioritize the once-bustling region’s problems." (LA Times)

Metro continues westward push with subway "Through the end of May, crews are completing street restoration work around the Wilshire/La Cienega Station. Farther west, work is ongoing around the Beverly Drive Station in Beverly Hills, as well as the Century City Station." (Beverly Press)

Metro D Line Subway Rider Takes First Place in Race vs. Car and Bike Competition "Today we get a glimpse of our future where getting anywhere in the city means feeling empowered to hop on a bike, hop on a train, or hop in your car." (Streetsblog LA)

Interim Standards on SB 79 – Transit Oriented Housing Plan "The [Culver City] City Council unanimously introduced an ordinance approving interim Zoning Code amendments to implement Senate Bill 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, with the condition that the ordinance will not take effect until SB 79 goes into effect. The California law is scheduled for July 1, 2026. " (Culver City Crossroads)

LA Metro launches contactless fare payments, new app ahead of World Cup "Los Angeles Metro riders can now pay fares with a simple tap of a credit card, debit card or mobile wallet as the transit agency rolls out a major upgrade ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026." (KTLA)

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