Hollywood Chamber Takes Positions on Important March 7th Ballot Initiatives

On Tuesday, March 7th, voters throughout L.A. County will be asked to vote on a series of important Ballot measures. With much at stake for the L.A. business community, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce encourages all of our members to make sure to get out and vote! Not sure if you already registered to vote? No problem! If you reside in the Los Angeles County, check your status at the Los Angeles County Registrar or call (800) 815-2666. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors took official positions on the following March 7, 2017 Ballot Initiatives:

LOS ANGELES COUNTY 
(SUPPORT) MEASURE H
Los Angeles County Plan to Prevent and Combat Homelessness. Establishes a ¼ cent sales tax for ten years, with independent annual audits and citizens’ oversight, to fund mental health, substance abuse treatment, health care, education, job training, rental subsidies, emergency and affordable housing, transportation, outreach, prevention, and supportive services for homeless children, families, foster youth, veterans, battered women, seniors, disabled individuals, and other homeless adults. The number of individuals and families estimated to be experiencing homelessness in LA County in January 2016 was 46,874, an overall increase of 2,515 people (6%) from 2015 (44,359) and 19% more than in 2013. The number of people living in encampments, tents and vehicles increased by 20% from 2015 to 2016 and a staggering 123% from 2013 to 2016. The impacts of the homeless crisis is evident in Hollywood and throughout Los Angeles. Measure H funding will have an immediate impact and it will bring quick relief to those suffering on our streets. For these reasons the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce urges you to vote Yes on Measure H. For more information please visit http://voteyesonh.com.

LOS ANGELES CITY
(OPPOSE) MEASURE S
BUILDING MORATORIUM; RESTRICTIONS ON GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS; REQUIRED REVIEW OF GENERAL PLAN. If adopted Measure S would 1) impose a two-year moratorium on projects seeking General Plan amendments or zone or height district changes resulting in more intense land use, an increase in density or height, or a loss of zoned open space, agricultural or industrial areas, with exceptions including for affordable housing projects and projects for which vested rights have accrued; 2) prohibit geographic amendments to the General Plan unless the affected area has significant social, economic or physical identity (defined as encompassing an entire community or district plan area, specific plan area, neighborhood council area or at least 15 acres); 3) require systematic, public review of the General Plan every five years; 4) prohibit project applicants from completing environmental impact reports for the City; 5) require the City make findings of General Plan consistency for planning amendments, project approvals and permit decisions; and 6) prohibit certain parking variances.
Recent studies indicate rent in Los Angeles is rising at a much higher rate than incomes. With high demand coupled with limited housing units, these restrictions on housing will only further drive up rents. Our city desperately needs to be adding as many housing units as possible, not banning their creation. Homeless advocates point out that most new homeless are a result of skyrocketing rents and lack of available housing units. For these reason the Hollywood Chamber urges you to vote No on Measure S! For more information please visit http://www.goestoofar.com/

Through committee involvement, members have the opportunity to effect change in areas specific to their business. The Hollywood Chamber encourages you to take advantage of this important benefit of membership by participating in committees.