The first installment of L.A.’s controversial Measure ULA, aka the mansion tax, has been allocated. In a 10-0 vote, the city council approved $150 million in spending across six programs, all connected to housing support within the city.
According to the L.A. Times, the expenditure plan will be directed to short-term emergency rental assistance, eviction defense, tenant outreach and education, direct cash assistance for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, tenant protections, and affordable housing production. Specifically, some $23 million will go toward eviction defense, $23 million will go toward income support for seniors and $18.4 million will go toward rent debt assistance.
While the $150 million allocation may seem large, the money is not exactly cash in hand. As we’ve previously reported, the tax has raised just $55 million since April, so the city won’t be able to use the full $150 million until the tax generates $150 million.
Some funds will, however, be put to immediate use. The L.A. Times reports that the first program to be implemented will be an emergency rental assistance program on Sept. 19.