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AHLU History

In December 2022, the Mayor and City Council approved Council File 21-0658 to streamline the production of 100% deed-restricted affordable housing projects. Shortly afterward, Mayor Karen Bass issued Executive Directive No. 1 to streamline the entitlement and permitting process for affordable housing. 

In March 2023, the AHLU team was formed to support the execution of both policies by:

  1. Preventing delays in the development process

  2. Identifying and removing barriers to development services

  3. Providing legislative and administrative recommendations to remove development barriers

Our Services

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Pre-Development Preparation

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  1. Underwriting and proforma analysis

  2. Government funding technical support

  3. Site review considerations

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Planning & Entitlement Support

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  1. Preliminary City Planning application review for completeness

  2. Entitlements and land use consultation

  3. Guidance of incentive programs, waivers, and the approval process 

  4. Assistance in reviewing ordinances, overlays, community plans, or [Q] or T conditions that may impact the project site 

  5. Walk-through of potential environmental requirements 

  6. Guidance on how to navigate the pre-application process to approval via Letter of Determination or Administrative Compliance Letter

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Construction & Inspection Liaison

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  1.  LAHD construction loan draw support

  2. Troubleshooting support for Development Service Department plan check and inspections for on-site work

    • Department of Building & Safety (LADBS)

    • Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

    • Los Angeles Housing Department Accessible Housing Program (AcHP)

  3. Assistance with Public Works permitting and inspection in the public right of way (off-site)

  4. Utility and public infrastructure technical assistance

    • LADWP Power Service (line extensions, transformers, meters)

    • LADWP Water Service (new service, fire hydrants, meters)

    • SoCalGas meter setting

  5. Liaison with non-City development partners:

  6. Pre-Certificate of Occupancy inspection meeting

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Occupancy & Lease-up

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  1. Liaison with LAHD, LACDA, LAHSA, and HACLA

Performance Metrics

From April 2023 to date, the AHLU team:

  1. Provided developer concierge services to 72 projects across 12 City Council Districts.

  2. Those 72 projects account for 4,953 new affordable, deed-restricted units.