South L.A. Community Plans Tackle Gentrification

As public and private investment grow in South L.A., new community plans mark a victory for local organizers seeking to prevent displacement.

1 minute read

November 29, 2017, 9:00 AM PST

By Elana Eden


Los Angeles 110 Freeway

trekandshoot / Shutterstock

Updated community plans for South and Southeast Los Angeles accommodate more than 15,000 new housing units for about 43,000 people, KPCC reports. New development is particularly focused along transit corridors, which are seeing renewed development interest alongside planned rail investment by L.A. Metro.

Mindful of rising home prices in the southern part of the city, the new plans incorporate "about 80 percent" of a set of anti-displacement proposals methodically prepared over the last decade by a neighborhood coalition. They include incentives for affordable housing, public space, and needed commercial developments like grocery stores and banks, while limiting residential exposure to industrial pollution.

But what didn't make the cut from the People's Plan—led by United Neighbors Against Displacement—has some residents still worried about how they will weather the gentrification anticipated ahead. Measures proposed by UNIDAD, but missing from the city's plans, included annual caps on demolition and condo conversions, as well as incentives to discount retail space for local businesses.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 in KPCC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog