Karen Bass seeks City Council approval for $360-million affordable housing, using ‘mansion tax’ funding

Published on April 9, 2026

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is pushing for City Council approval of a significant $360-million affordable housing initiative, which aims to utilize funding from the recently implemented “mansion tax.” This ambitious plan is designed to support the construction of 80 projects throughout the city, resulting in the creation of 1,528 new affordable housing units. Additionally, the proposal includes funding for essential repairs to over 2,500 existing affordable units that are currently in need of significant work.

The mansion tax, officially known as the “Measure ULA,” was approved November 2022 and imposes a tax on properties sold for $5 million or more. The revenue generated from this tax is earmarked for addressing the city’s homelessness crisis and enhancing affordable housing options. Mayor Bass emphasizes that this funding is crucial for not only expanding housing availability but also for improving the living conditions of Angelenos already in need of assistance.

In her announcement, Bass stated, “Every Angeleno deserves a safe and stable home. This funding will enable us to take essential steps toward remedying our housing crisis and providing more residents with the opportunities for a better life.” The proposal has garnered support from various housing advocates who view it as a much-needed intervention in a city grappling with a severe housing shortage and rising homelessness rates.

The City Council is expected to review the proposal in the coming weeks, and its approval could set a precedent for how the city utilizes revenue from the mansion tax moving forward. If approved, it would mark a significant step towards the mayor’s goal of creating more affordable housing options and rehabilitating existing units.

As Los Angeles continues to face challenges related to housing affordability and homelessness, this initiative represents a strategic effort to leverage new funding sources for impactful solutions that could transform lives for thousands of residents across the city.

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