Fall 2024: “Displacement and Affordable Housing in Los Angeles” with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
For the Fall 2024 semester, CPF POSC 395 Policy Research Internship students explored how new development and the short term rental market impacts the displacement of residents. They researched solutions to address both the affordable housing supply and homelessness issues in Los Angeles. Students assessed initiatives addressing homelessness and examined the implications of affordable housing policy and zoning reforms. They presented their extensive research and recommendations to our partner, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
Leah Nwizugbo, a junior majoring in Political Science, said this about her research experience:
“This experience and the support from the organizational partners empowered me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Taking 395 was more than a resume booster, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, deepening my understanding of how policy decisions impact vulnerable communities. It allowed me to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at addressing housing inequities while honing my analytical and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. The class structure, alongside the substantial opportunities to civically engage with CPF, made my POSC 395 experience incredibly worthwhile.”
Project: Displacement and Affordable Housing in Los Angeles
Partner: Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
USC Students: Marcellas Belay, Anthony Hoang, Maria Lopez, and Leah Nwizugbo
Research Questions: How does new development and the short term rental market impact the displacement of residents? What solutions can address both affordable housing supply and homelessness issues in Los Angeles?
Policy Recommendations:
- Enhance enforcement and regulatory oversight
- Collaborate with Short-Term Rental (STR) platforms for compliance
- Promote affordability through zoning reform
Read the group’s full research presentation.
Watch the video presentation on “Displacement and Affordable Housing in Los Angeles.”