Hotel Industry Applauds Removal of LA Homeless-In-Hotels Ballot Measure

Grateful for City Council’s common-sense compromise ordinance

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today’s removal of LA’s Homeless-In-Hotels measure from the March 2024 ballot is a victory for the City of Los Angeles and its hospitality community as it prevents hotels from becoming homeless shelters and protects hotel employees who would have become the first line of care.

With sponsor UniteHere Local 11 officially pulling its dangerous measure from the ballot shortly after the Los Angeles City Council’s final approval of a compromise ordinance, the city and its hospitality community can begin repairing the reputational and financial harm already caused by the proposed initiative.

“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,” said Heather Rozman, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.

“We are grateful to Mayor Bass and Council President Paul Krekorian for finding the path to a common-sense solution, protecting our hotel employees – especially housekeepers – our guests and Los Angeles’ reputation,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President & CEO of the California Hotel & Lodging Association.

“For nearly two years, Unite Here created an atmosphere of dangerous uncertainty for hotel employees, hoteliers, and the City of Los Angeles by clinging to a proposal virtually everyone thinks is outrageous – forcing hotels to house homeless people next to paying guests,” said Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “We thank the LA City Council for helping to broker a compromise to get the Homeless-In-Hotels measure off the ballot.”

Although imperfect, the ordinance:

• Takes effect on July 1, 2024
• Creates a voluntary Homeless-In-Hotels program
• Includes new hotel development and replacement housing requirements that align with existing state and local regulations
• Requires police permits for hotels and short-term rentals. Hotels must submit permit applications by Oct. 1, 2024 and the permits will be automatically renewed.