Sherman Oaks, CA – The United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley and Region Government Affairs Committee adopted a resolution opposing proposed “linkage fees” to be attached to certain classes of commercial and residential development projects. Revenue from the fees would be allocated to a “Los Angeles Housing Impact Trust Fund”, with the intent of funding affordable housing solutions across Los Angeles.
Los Angeles’ The Housing and Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) supported the ordinace in a statement on their website, “the expected boost to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund represents an amazing step forward, and puts us in a great position to continue marching towards the goal of providing affordable housing for all Angelenos!”
The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA) has advocated against imposing linkage fees. In a statement published on their website, the AAGLA asserted, “although well-intended, this proposal does not meet the needs of our city for adequate housing; AAGLA believes that this Linkage Fee is counterproductive for it will bring the cost of production up for developers of multifamily housing making it more difficult for new housing to be developed.”
Following deliberation, the Government Affairs Committee approved a motion opposing the ordinance. Horace Heidt, Vice Chair of the The United Chambers, said, “[The United Chambers] do not oppose linkage fees on principle. We oppose the burden of linkage fees being placed on the very industries that are trying to remedy housing shortage problems. Developers and landlords are trying to build more units, and they’re the ones being charged this fee.”
At the same meeting, Horace Heidt made a motion, seconded by Sean McCarthy, to support Mitch Englander’s City Council Motion CF# 17-0675 that would align the filing of City Business tax with the State and Federal filing in April. Currently it is due January 1 and is considered delinquent if not paid by the last day of February. The motion passed to support the change, 15 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 abstentions.
The United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley and Region is a coalition of 32 business organizations including 18 Member Chambers, representing over 21,000 businesses that provide over 387,000 jobs. United Chambers deals with Valley-wide, County-wide and Regional issues and promotes the San Fernando Valley’s overall welfare, progress and economic prosperity.