Group Photo of Spring 2024 Policy Research Internship Project “Vacant Properties, Vacancy Tax, and Growing the Housing Supply in Los Angeles” with Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky
Group Photo of Spring 2024 Policy Research Internship Project “Vacant Properties, Vacancy Tax, and Growing the Housing Supply in Los Angeles” with Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky

Spring 2024: “Vacant Properties, Vacancy Tax, and Growing the Housing Supply in Los Angeles” with Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky

 

For the Spring 2024 semester, CPF POSC 395 Policy Research Internship students examined cities that have passed vacancy taxes and similar legislation to develop policies that can make the best use of vacant buildings in Los Angeles. Vacant properties in disrepair are sometimes vandalized or used for illicit purposes. In light of the housing crisis, many people see these vacant buildings as “nuisance properties” that should be fixed up to become potential homes for unhoused Angelenos. Students researched what could be done with these properties, and how a vacancy tax impacts property owners, the housing market, and housing availability. Vacancy taxes are seen by many as the next frontier in housing policy. They presented their extensive research and recommendations to our partner, Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.

 

Adrianna Urmersbach, a junior majoring in Latin American Studies, said this about her research experience:

“My internship experience was with Councilwoman Yaroslavsky, analyzing the housing crisis within Los Angeles County and whether to pass a vacancy tax. I researched the current cost burden for L.A. residents, how affordable housing is no longer affordable, and the problems with development. I looked at different housing development models, modular integrated construction, and how its adoption could address the supply side issue of housing, as well as building eco-friendly homes for cost saving initiatives for buyers and renters. I learned how multifaceted policy and fixing societal issues are. My ADHD was an advantage in this research. It gave me endless questions and led me to ideas that helped my research be holistic and thoughtful.”

Project: Vacant Properties, Vacancy Tax, and Growing the Housing Supply in Los Angeles

USC Students: Samantha Chacko, Dylan Chen, Elisa Switzer, Tyki Jones, and Adrianna Urmersbach

Research Question: What policies should be implemented to make the best use of vacant buildings in Los Angeles?

Policy Recommendations:

  • Land Value Tax
    • Seek revenue neutrality
    • Frequently update land registry
    • Accurately assess land-value
  • Comparative Analysis
    • Land Value Tax (LVT) more effective
    • Increase housing supply
    • Generate revenue
  • Modular Development
    • Modular homes benefits for timeline and costs
    • Government affordable housing programs
  • Legal Remedies
    • Good legal standing
    • Community Support
    • L.A. action
  • Alternative Solutions
    • Further examine Vacant Property Registration Ordinances (VPROs)
    • Inspire property owners through incentives

 

Read the group’s full research presentation.

Watch the video presentation on “Vacant Properties, Vacancy Tax, and Growing the Housing Supply in Los Angeles.”