AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT
October 15, 2024

From the desk of Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director of Government & Public Affairs


AIA|LA Shares Support for the Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance at the City Planning Commission - October 10, 2024
Ken Bernstein, Michelle Levy, & Will Wright
CPC on Oct. 10th
Matt Glesne, AICP - Los Angeles City Planning

Ken Bernstein, AICP & Michelle Levy, AICP - Urban Design Studio, Los Angeles City Planning

 

CITYWIDE ADAPTIVE REUSE ORDINANCE

On Thursday, October 10th, AIA|LA encouraged the Los Angeles City Planning Commission to approve the draft Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (CPC-2023-5986-CA).  We’re grateful for the leadership of the Los Angeles City Planning Urban Design Studio and want to recognize their leadership, expertise, and diligence as they worked to bring the current draft forward.  AIA|LA would like to celebrate their effort and commend their willingness to hear feedback from the architecture and design community.

To review the presentation shared by LACP on updates to the Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance CLICK HERE.

To review the final report of LACP recommendations, CLICK HERE.

CPC voted to approve LACP’s recommendations with a few small changes, which will exclude ‘hostels’ and ‘boarding houses’ from being eligible uses for the conversions allowed by the adaptive reuse ordinance.

I big thank you to both Karin Liljegren, FAIA from Omgivning for testifying her support  (and recommendations) during the commission meeting, and to Anh Nguyen from the Central City Association for sharing their support and ideas to improve the draft ordinance.

Personally, I felt that the City Planning Commission could have spent more time discussing specific ideas on what additional incentives will be needed to ensure a more effective Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance.

Instead, the CPC spent the majority of time expressing concerns that the adaptive reuse ordinance would allow for the conversion of existing buildings into Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing.  I’m not sure where that concern was coming from and I was quite confused by the Commission discussion.  They seemed to be concerned about the impacts of SRO housing on neighborhoods.  But what exact impacts were they alluding to?

Were they concerned about impacts to neighborhoods caused by the ‘type of’ people that may live in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing?  If so, that type of concern should be reprimanded as 100% inappropriate.

Were they concerned about the impacts to neighborhoods caused by occupants that either utilize a common kitchen (or a shared bathroom) and /or select to eat ‘outside’ their home’?  If so, why?  Wouldn’t shared kitchens result in more vibrant and ‘connected’ neighborhoods?

Were they concerned about the living conditions of one who may choose to live in an SRO?  Perhaps the person selecting to live in an SRO is making that choice because of its inherent cost-savings, since it’s less expensive to build SRO housing and those cost savings may result in lower rent for the residents.

I really didn’t understand the genesis of the Commission’s concerns about SRO’s.  And yes, while it may be ‘more convenient’ to have a bathroom and a kitchen in your dwelling unit, we should embrace a multitude of housing typologies (and perhaps even some new ones too!) as we expand the adaptive reuse ordinance citywide.

Fortunately, LACP pushed back politely by reminding the Commission that State law prohibits the City of Los Angeles from discriminating against housing typologies.
As the Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance moves forward to the consideration of the Los Angeles City Council, we need to encourage the inclusion of additional incentives and more flexibility for the ordinance to be more effective, increasing the financial feasibility of more housing conversions.

AIA|LA also recommends expanding the rooftop additions incentive. The current limitation of one-story rooftop additions solely for amenity use is restrictive and can lead to an oversupply of luxury units with excessive amenities. By allowing for multi-story rooftop additions and considering the conversion of existing core spaces into amenities, the ARO can provide greater flexibility for developers and support creating a more diverse range of housing types.

Additionally, the ARO should prioritize housing production over amenity spaces and develop guidelines for the design and construction of rooftop additions to ensure their safety, sustainability, and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. By implementing these recommendations, the City of Los Angeles can create a more flexible and effective ARO that promotes adaptive reuse, addresses the housing crisis, and revitalizes business districts.

  1. Allow for multi-story rooftop additions: This will provide greater flexibility for developers and potentially reduce the need for additional construction on the ground level.
  2. Consider converting existing core spaces into amenities: This can help to reduce the overall cost of development and provide a more diverse range of amenities.
  3. Prioritize housing production over amenity spaces: Ensure that the ARO supports the creation of affordable and accessible housing, rather than focusing solely on luxury amenities.
  4. Develop guidelines for the design and construction of rooftop additions: This will help to ensure that these additions are safe, sustainable, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
  5. Consider the potential impact of rooftop additions on existing infrastructure: Ensure that the ARO includes provisions for addressing any additional load or strain on infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and electrical systems.

In addition to these ideas, we’d like to share a much more detailed and comprehensive set of recommendations, which have been authored by Roberto Vazquez, AIA – Associate Principal, AXIS Architecture + Design

CLICK HERE to read Roberto’s letter.

 

AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Series Presented by Gannett Fleming

For 2024, we have four more AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Receptions for the year.  Please join us and share your input with decision-makers!

October 24 (8am – 9:30am)
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Peggy M. Quijada de Franke – Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability, LACCD
 
November 1 = (9:30am – 11:00am) 
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Sydney Kamlager-Dove – U.S. Congressional Representative, 37th District
 
November 8 = (8am – 9:30am)
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Ben Allen – California State Senator, District #24
 
November 15 = (9am – 10:30am)
AIA|LA City Leaders Breakfast Reception w/ Elizabeth (Libby) Boyce, L.C.S.W. – Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative & Leepi Shimkhada – Deputy Director, Housing for Health, Department of Health Services (DHS), County of Los Angeles

Shape the Future of LA’s Built Environment: Join AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall!

Save the Date = Friday, December 6, 2024 (8am – 4pm)

Calling all Architects & Designers!
Make your voice heard and be a part of shaping Los Angeles’ future. AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall is your chance to connect directly with civic leaders and advocate for the issues that matter most to our profession.
 
Why Participate?
  • Elevate Design Leadership: Be part of a movement ensuring architects and designers have a seat at the decision-making table.
  • Shape Policy, Impact Communities: Your expertise is crucial for planning, land use, zoning, and building codes.
  • Build a Better LA: Advocate for housing equity, complete communities, and sustainable development.
  • Network & Make a Difference: Connect with fellow professionals and make a real impact on the built environment.
 
Limited Spots Available: In-person & Virtual Options!
This year’s AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall takes place on Friday, December 6th in person at LA City Hall.
 
Don’t miss this opportunity! RSVP Today!
Contact Will Wright at Will[@]aialosangeles.org to secure your spot and learn more about this exciting event.
 
Together, let’s build a thriving Los Angeles for everyone!

 

Housing for Health: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Homelessness in Los Angeles

Friday, November 15 (9:00am – 10:30am) = RSVP HERE.

Featured Speakers: Leepi Shimkhada and Elizabeth (Libby) Boyce, Housing for Health, Department of Health Services (DHS), County of Los Angeles

Overview: This lunchtime roundtable discussion will delve into the innovative strategies and collaborative efforts implemented by Housing for Health (HFH) to address homelessness in Los Angeles County. Leepi Shimkhada and Libby Boyce, both key leaders within HFH, will share their expertise and insights on the program’s successful initiatives.

Objectives:

+ Highlight the importance of a health-centered approach to addressing homelessness.
+ Discuss the role of collaborative partnerships in driving effective solutions.
+ Explore the innovative programs and services offered by HFH.
+ Examine the impact of HFH’s initiatives on improving health outcomes and reducing homelessness.
+ Foster discussion and collaboration among attendees to address the ongoing challenges of homelessness in the region.

This roundtable discussion will provide valuable insights into the complexities of homelessness and the promising work being done to address this critical issue in Los Angeles.

 

 

AIA|LA Endorses Measure A: Investing in a More Equitable Los Angeles

The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter (AIA|LA) urges the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community to join us in supporting Measure A on the upcoming November 5th ballot. This critical measure represents a significant step forward in tackling homelessness and creating a more affordable housing landscape in Los Angeles County.

Key Points:

  1. Measure A Increases Funding for Affordable Housing: It guarantees a minimum of $3 billion over 10 years for housing production and preservation.
  2. Measure A Provides Rent Support: It allocates a minimum of $1.3 billion over 10 years for programs like emergency rental assistance and legal counsel.
  3. Measure A Strengthens LA County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA): This ensures long-term, reliable funding to drive housing production, preservation, and protection.
  4. Measure A Creates High-Quality Union Jobs: At least $2 billion over 10 years will be directed towards new housing construction with high-quality union jobs.
  5. Measure A Prioritizes Long-Term Stability: Funding continues until revoked by voters, with the ability to shift service funding towards housing in the future.
  6. Measure A Promotes Wage Equity: It codifies a commitment to fair wages for non-profit employees involved in housing initiatives.
  7. Measure A Supports Public Employees: The measure establishes protections for public employees working on these critical housing programs.
  8. Measure A Funds Proven Homeless Services: It stabilizes the existing homeless services system with guaranteed long-term funding.
  9. Measure A Replaces Existing Tax: The existing 1/4 cent sales tax for homeless services (Measure H) will be replaced with a 1/2 cent sales tax for both housing and services.
  10. Measure A is a Comprehensive Solution: It combines funding for addressing homelessness with investments in creating and preserving affordable housing for future generations.

By supporting Measure A, we can create a more equitable Los Angeles where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing. We urge the AEC community to join us in voting YES on Measure A on November 5th.

CLICK HERE to read the complete details of the proposed ordinance

AFFORDABLE HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS, AND PREVENTION NOW TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX ORDINANCE

 


AIA|LA & LACP DESIGN REVIEW SESSIONS

In 2024, we will coordinate thirty-six virtual design review sessions, which will serve as opportunities for architects and designers to help the Los Angeles City Planning’s Urban Design Studio critically review upcoming projects throughout the City.

Upcoming sessions include:

Nov 5, 2024 (10:00 AM)
Nov 12, 2024 (10:00 AM)

Join us here w/ RSVP to gain zoom access.

Reach out and get more involved!

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA
Director, Government & Public Affairs
t: 213.639.0764
e: will@aialosangeles.org
www.aialosangeles.org