Los Angeles Hotel Industry Celebrates as Homeless-In-Hotels Measure Withdrawn

In a significant win for the hotel industry in Los Angeles, the proposed Homeless-In-Hotels measure has been withdrawn from the March 2024 ballot. The legislation, which would have mandated hotel companies in Los Angeles to accommodate homeless individuals alongside paying guests, faced opposition from hoteliers, leading to its removal by bill sponsor UniteHere Local 11.

The decision to withdraw the measure followed the final approval of a compromise ordinance by the Los Angeles City Council. The altered ordinance, effective from July 1, 2024, establishes a voluntary Homeless-In-Hotels program. This program incorporates new hotel development and replacement housing requirements, aligning with existing state and local regulations.

Heather Rozman, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, expressed satisfaction with the compromise, stating, “This solution ensures that our hotel community is thriving and able to continue providing excellent careers and economic benefits to our iconic neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles.”

Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, released a statement applauding the council’s decision to withdraw the measure. Rogers emphasized the potential risks posed by UniteHere’s initial proposal, describing it as “outrageous” and expressing gratitude to the LA City Council for brokering a compromise.

Rogers stated, “With its actions in LA, Unite Here showed that even the safety and security of its own members is up for negotiation. We urge leaders in LA and other cities to use this episode to inform their future interactions with Unite Here and to put hotel employee and guest safety first, even when Unite Here refuses to do so.”