L.A. Ends 'Veto' Power Over Homeless Housing

At the threat of losing state money, Los Angeles is ending a controversial practice that allows councilmembers to block affordable housing in their districts.

Presently, developers seeking city funding for homeless or affordable housing to get a letter from the councilmember representing the area. An L.A. Times study echoed charges by advocates that withholding the letter was a common way to quietly block homeless housing in districts throughout the city.

Now, as part of an effort to force cities to approve more housing, California has passed a law that would withhold state money from projects subject to the letter requirement. Emily Alpert Reyes reports in the Los Angeles Times.