Kamlager-Dove and Mayor Bass Secure Nearly $3 Million For Housing and Transportation Improvements in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES -Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Mayor Bass today announced nearly $3 million in federal funding that they secured for housing and transportation improvements in Los Angeles. Rep. Kamlager-Dove and Mayor Bass made the announcement on the site of a former vacant lot that now provides affordable housing for 180 families and includes businesses, a school, and a Metro job training facility. The transit plaza serving this location benefited from federal funding secured by then-Congresswoman Bass in 2022 and now will see additional transportation improvements as a result of this announcement.

"We're in an affordability crisis, and far too many Angelenos are at risk of being priced out of the city they're proud to call home," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. "That's why I'm proud to deliver $3 million to the City of Los Angeles, including $2.5 million to expand and strengthen our affordable housing supply. I remain committed to working hand in hand with local leaders to lower costs and ensure every Angeleno has a safe, stable place to call home."

"We fought hard for this funding to create a safer and more affordable Los Angeles, and to build on our work that has brought street homeless down in unprecedented ways in just three years," said Mayor Karen Bass."I want to especially thank Representative Kamlager-Dove, who has been a key partner in the continued investments in housing in Los Angeles, funding to build future housing sites, and better communities across Los Angeles."

"From Mayor Karen Bass's leadership in Los Angeles to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove championing resources at the federal level, this impact would not be possible without strong partnership and a shared commitment to investing in real, tangible improvements for our communities," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell."Expanding access to transit, housing, education, quality jobs, and thriving small businesses is possible because of these critical investments reaching South Los Angeles."

"What was once an empty lot for far too long has transformed into a vibrant community hub at Vermont and Manchester," said LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. "All thanks to the leadership and investment of Representative Kamlager-Dove, Supervisor Mitchell, and Mayor Bass' commitment to building safer, healthier, and more prosperous neighborhoods." He continued, "this project revitalizes this major intersection by providing the affordable housing, safer streets, and new businesses that our residents deserve."

"Council District 9 is grateful to Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove for championing investments that bring meaningful resources to South Los Angeles, including the Urban Awnings development on Crocker Street," said Councilmember Curren Price. "Purposefully designed for this site, the project is expected to cost under $400,000 per unit, demonstrating that high-quality affordable housing can also be cost-efficient. While construction hasn't started, Urban Awnings has completed key milestones and is now in the final plan check phase. Urban Awnings reflects a long-term commitment to expanding affordable housing and investing in the future of our South Central community."

"Our residents in Pueblo del Rio public housing have been facing extreme heat for years; an issue that is no longer seasonal, but persistent, dangerous, and a disproportionate impact to low-income families," said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramírez. "Thanks to this $250,000 investment secured by Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove, combined with air conditioning units donated by the LADWP as part of Mayor Bass's commitment to community resilience, HACLA will be able to begin installing dozens of AC units during this initial rollout with priority for seniors and residents with disabilities. In a system that has long been under-resourced, this federal investment makes a real and immediate difference."

"The Evermont community at Vermont and Manchester shows the promise of high-quality affordable housing to improve lives and revitalize neighborhoods. After lying vacant for decades, the site is now home to a thriving mixed-use community providing stable, affordable homes for 180 families and seniors," said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard."We thank Mayor Bass, Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Supervisor Mitchell, Councilmembers Harris-Dawson and Price, and HACLA President Castro-Ramirez for their support and leadership as we advance our mission."

As part of a package of Community Project Funding signed into law in early February, nearly $3 million in funding was secured for the following projects across the City:

• Vermont Manchester Transit Project ($500,000): This project will take place at the site of a completed 180-unit affordable housing project in South Los Angeles. Funding will support transportation improvements such as the installation of two bike boulevards, street lighting, and a new traffic signal along 84th St to connect Vermont Ave to Figueroa Street and help residents get closer to the Silver (J) Line Busway Station and other key destinations.

  • Across the street from this project, $250,000 in fundingwas secured by Supervisor Mitchell for the rehabilitation of the South LA Community Food Hall into a vibrant hub for 8-10 small businesses along the Vermont Corridor.

• Inside Safe ($850,000): Funds will support the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of housing facilities within the Inside Safe program, which serves approximately 6,000 people experiencing homelessness annually.

• Crocker Street Site Remediation ($850,000): Funding will support the environmental remediation of a property to prepare it for housing development.

• Pueblo Del Rio Climate Control Upgrades ($250,000): Funding will install energy-efficient air conditioning units and ceiling fans at the Pueblo Del Rio public housing site to provide heat relief for nearly 1,800 residents.

• Broadway Sur Transportation Safety Improvements ($250,000): Funding was secured by Council District 8 to deliver safety, lighting, and beautification improvements along 2.8 miles of Manchester Avenue and South Broadway to reduce traffic collisions, encourage walking and biking, and boost commercial activity.

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