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I hope you and your loved ones are getting some downtime this summer!
Earlier this month, LAHSA released the results of the 2025 Homeless Count, and for the second year in a row, the numbers are moving in the right direction. Citywide, homelessness is down. In Council District Five, we’ve seen a 27% drop over the past two years, including 30% fewer tents and 25% fewer RVs compared to when I took office. It’s also worth noting that last year, we hit an all-time high for permanent housing placements, with almost 28,000 people housed in 2024 alone. These numbers reflect real progress, and they matter.
But progress does not mean victory – not by a long shot. The results don’t mean much if you’re still sleeping outside and need help, if you’re a small business owner with a tent in front of your office, or if you’re a parent walking your kid past an encampment on the way to school. There remain far too many people living on the street, especially in the western part of the district near Cotner and the 405. We are still in a crisis, and the pace we are making progress is still frustratingly slow. We need to build on what is working, slough off inefficient systems and programs, and do it a lot faster.
We’ve learned a lot over the past few years about what it takes to resolve encampments and get people housed for good. Scaling that progress will require better coordination and a more unified approach. That’s why I worked with Councilwoman Raman to create the Bureau of Homelessness Oversight in this year’s budget. It will help move funding faster, streamline decision-making, and make sure every dollar is going to the strategies that work. This is one of the structural changes we need to deliver results at the pace this crisis demands.
There’s still so much more to do, but we’re seeing that when we stay committed, we can move the needle. That’s the path forward. Keep doing the work. Keep listening to what’s happening on the ground. And keep making sure our systems actually serve the people who need them most.
All my best,
Katy |
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Breaking Ground on the Mid-City Greenway Project
Recently I joined LADOT, the Bureau of Engineering, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Mid-City Greenway. This project will bring safety and mobility improvements to over 4 miles of residential streets, including Rosewood Avenue, Formosa Avenue, and Orange Drive. From new signals and bike facilities to curb extensions, traffic circles, and safer crosswalks, the Greenway is designed to calm traffic and enhance walkability and bike access to parks, schools, transit, and local businesses. A special shout out to former longtime Mid City West Neighborhood Council President Scott Epstein and the Mid City West Neighborhood Council for working so hard to push this project forward. |
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Los Angeles Business Council Legislative Affairs Committee Lunch
Earlier this month, I joined members of the Los Angeles Business Council’s Legislative Affairs Committee to discuss the City’s budget and legislative priorities that impact our communities. I provided updates on the City budget and discussed the need for a transparent, equitable approach to budgeting that makes it easier to do business in Los Angeles and promotes long-term economic growth. I look forward to continued collaboration with LABC and all our business leaders to move Los Angeles forward. |
Celebrating The Ebell of Los Angeles
Last Thursday, I joined in celebrating The Ebell of Los Angeles, a nonprofit women-led organization based in the heart of Mid City that runs community programs and events focused on arts, education, service, and cultural preservation. For nearly 100 years, the Ebell has provided a space for community to gather, learn, and support each other. |
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Korean American Federation of Los Angeles 63rd Anniversary Heritage Night
Earlier this month, I joined community leaders and supporters in celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA) and the induction of KAFLA’s newest President, Robert Ahn. Since 1962, KAFLA has been a trusted community partner, connecting Angelenos to critical services, encouraging civic participation, and creating space for cultural pride. Their work has helped shape Los Angeles into the city it is today. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with them and look forward to supporting their continued work on behalf of the Korean American community in Los Angeles. |
The City Council is on recess until July 29, 2025. Check back soon for more updates! |
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July Metro Board of Directors Meeting
At this month’s Metro Board meeting, we adopted a new Non-Revenue Vehicle Procurement Policy—a big step forward in aligning our fleet practices with our climate goals. This policy establishes a clear framework to transition Metro’s non-revenue vehicles (everything from maintenance trucks to administrative sedans) toward a fully zero-emission fleet. It mirrors the standards already in place at the City and County of Los Angeles, and it’s designed to ensure that we’re making fiscally responsible, environmentally sustainable choices whenever vehicles are replaced.
The policy also includes flexibility for departments that require specialized equipment for public safety or emergency response. This will help ensure operational needs are met while we continue to reduce emissions. I introduced an amendment to strengthen transparency by removing the Chief Operating Officer as the sole authority on exceptions and requiring annual reporting on implementation progress. With this change, we’ll be better equipped to track our transition to clean vehicles and hold ourselves accountable. This is the kind of behind-the-scenes policy that doesn’t always make headlines, but has real, long-term impact on our air quality, budget, and public health.
Holmby Park Mainline Replacement Project
With a focus on infrastructure improvement programs, LADWP will continue to provide customers with a reliable source of water by upgrading major system components that are old, or located in seismic areas. The Holmby Park Mainline Replacement Project is a part of LADWP’s plan to replace aging infrastructure in the system. Project Description LADWP crews will install 7,377- feet of 6 and 8-inch Ductile Iron pipeline. The affected streets are Devon Ave, Strathmore Dr, Club View Dr, Mapleton Dr, and Comstock Ave. Minor disruptions may take place on adjacent streets. LADWP will provide a 48-hour advance notice when temporary service interruptions are needed to make water mainline connections. Other than the connection work, service interruptions throughout the project are not expected. The project is expected to begin in Summer 2025 and will continue for approximately 11-months. |
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Pan Pacific Pool Party | Friday, July 31 at 5 P.M.
We're throwing a pool party! Come out to the Pan Pacific Recreation Center Pool on July 31st for a free, fun filled evening with music, food and games!
DATE: Friday, July 31 at 5 P.M.
TIME: 5 PM
LOCATION: Pan Pacific
141 S. GARDNER ST., Los Angeles, CA 90036
7th Annual Beautification Conference - Register Today!
Come network and collaborate with other Angelenos on topics focused around beautifying Los Angeles! Learn how to get involved, host your own community cleanup and discover the various resources local partners and city agencies have to offer. To register, please click on the following link: https://forms.gle/Q7JYrMcrckfBuVTG6
Become an L.A City Lifeguard
Join our amazing Citywide Aquatics team! Lifeguard testing is underway, and we’re looking for passionate people who want to be part of a team dedicated to serving LA City communities and providing safe, fun, and welcoming swim environments across our public pools.
Whether it’s a first job or a step toward a future in public service, this is an incredible opportunity to build valuable skills, make lasting memories, and positively impact the lives of Angelenos. Learn more about this opportunity here.
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If you have any need pertaining to the City of Los Angeles, please reach out:
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 473-7005
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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