Statement on Release of East Los Angeles Incorporation Feasibility Report

“I appreciate that the County’s Chief Executive Office has finally released the long-overdue analysis of revenues and investments in East Los Angeles—an effort I initiated through a motion I authored last year. As the report confirms, the financial reality remains unchanged: East Los Angeles is not viable as an independent city or special district.

Since taking office in December 2014, I have directed more than $500 million toward essential services that directly benefit the more than 118,000 residents of East Los Angeles.

The investments I have made over the last 10 years include:

• $258 million to build 875 affordable housing units
• $150 million for infrastructure projects
• $32 million in rent relief and legal services, preventing over 5,600 evictions
• $30 million for parks and open space
• $5.3 million for residential broadband development
• $1.4 million in small business grants and beautification improvements
• $600 million in state funding to clean up homes contaminated by the Exide battery recycling facility
• Addressed nearly 350 homeless encampments and allocated $6 million over two years for the Pathway Home housing program

Other infrastructure and community investments include:

• $12 million for improvements to the Centro Maravilla Service Center
• Open space development along Northside Drive for the Saybrook community
• Road repairs spanning more than five miles along Whittier Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard and several streets in City Terrace
• Community planning support for initiatives such as the Parks Needs Assessment, Metro Area Plan, East Los Angeles Pedestrian Plan and housing ordinances including Rent Stabilization and Inclusionary Housing

For older adults, my office led efforts that:

• Distributed food to over 65,000 households
• Provided more than 72,000 meals through the Elderly Nutrition Program
• Enrolled 34,000 residents in health and fitness programs
• Delivered utility assistance to nearly 1,400 households
• Used $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds for digital inclusion and support during the pandemic

This report includes an analysis of East Los Angeles’ fiscal landscape by the County’s Chief Executive Office. It includes revenue estimates and service cost projections, offering the community a transparent view of the economic realities surrounding incorporation.

As the largest unincorporated area in California, East Los Angeles depends on Los Angeles County for vital services. I remain committed to delivering on that responsibility—from public safety, housing and emergency response to community beautification and economic development.

Earlier this year, I directed a Pathway Home operation in East Los Angeles that helped 31 unhoused residents enter interim housing and removed nine RVs from local streets. We also completed a community-led beautification project at the iconic Folsom Stairs, transforming it into a vibrant symbol of neighborhood pride. My office continues to support residents through Know Your Rights workshops, storefront renovations, youth and senior programs, and small business grants that stimulate economic growth.

As we move forward, I remain committed to transparency, equity and inclusion. I will be authoring a motion to follow through on the County’s Chief Executive Office’s recommendation to retain a consultant who will conduct multilingual, culturally competent outreach to educate the community about the report, gather feedback, and assess the creation of a Municipal Advisory Committee or Town Council that reflects East Los Angeles’ diverse voices.

This outreach will include residents from across East Los Angeles—Belvedere/Obregon Park, City Terrace, Eastmont, Garfield, Maravilla, Saybrook, Union Pacific and Winter Gardens—as well as local businesses and nonprofits.

I am committed to ensuring that the next steps in this process include meaningful input from all East Los Angeles stakeholders.”