讀後心得

The ULA measure (mansion tax) passed with 58% voter support in November 2022 has been implemented for two years, providing housing security and rental assistance to thousands of residents. Los Angeles city officials celebrated the achievements of the measure since it took effect in April 2023 at Enlightenment Plaza. The measure imposes a transfer tax on high-value residential and commercial real estate transactions, which is used to fund affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs. As of March this year, it has generated over $600 million in revenue, helping approximately 11,000 residents remain in their homes and facilitating the construction of 795 affordable housing units. Despite facing legal challenges from wealthy individuals and developers, the program continues to be viewed as a key force in maintaining affordable housing in Los Angeles, with the potential to play an important role in the future.

The ULA measure (Measure ULA, commonly known as the "Mansion Tax"), which received 58% support from Los Angeles city voters in November 2022, has been in effect for two years and has provided housing security and rental assistance to thousands of residents. Los Angeles city officials and supporters gathered at Enlightenment Plaza on the 1st to celebrate the progress of 177 affordable housing projects funded by the "Mansion Tax." The ULA measure took effect on April 1, 2023, imposing a transfer tax on high-value residential and commercial real estate transactions to fund affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and tenant aid programs. According to the latest tax rates for 2025, transactions of residential and commercial property in Los Angeles exceeding $5.3 million are subject to a 4% transfer tax, while transactions over $10.6 million incur a 5.5% transfer tax.

As of March this year, according to data from the Los Angeles Housing Department, the ULA measure has generated a total revenue of $632.59 million from 939 taxed transactions, with 54% coming from single-family home transactions, 20% from commercial real estate transactions, and approximately 11% from multi-family apartment transactions. Taxed property transactions are primarily concentrated in Los Angeles' Districts 11, 5, and 4. "Los Angeles now has effective tools to address housing and homelessness issues," a city council member stated, adding that in the context of federal funding cuts and the city's budget deficit, the "Mansion Tax" has become increasingly important for protecting residents' rights and improving quality of life.

Statistics show that as of February 2025, the "Mansion Tax" has assisted approximately 11,000 Los Angeles residents in staying in their homes through rental assistance programs and has facilitated the construction of 795 affordable housing units, creating 10,000 construction job opportunities. The program raises funds by imposing transfer taxes on the top 4% of real estate transactions in Los Angeles, with an estimated revenue of about $4 billion over the next ten years. Organizers stated that despite facing multiple lawsuits from wealthy individuals and developers attempting to overturn or weaken its impact over the past two years, these actions have been unsuccessful.

As threats of federal cuts to housing funding emerge, this voter-supported and locally-funded program will become a key force for maintaining affordable housing construction and tenant protections in Los Angeles. The organizing director of the ULA measure stated that even before federal cuts from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the "Mansion Tax" was the largest affordable housing funding program in the city's history, and its importance is increasingly highlighted in the current situation.

The funds generated by the ULA measure are limited to 11 uses approved by voters, including financial support for affordable development projects and enforcement funding for Los Angeles's "Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance." The Los Angeles City Council is currently exploring providing legal advisory rights for tenants facing eviction through the ULA measure. Additionally, new housing and ownership models, such as social housing, will be launched.

• The "Mansion Tax" provides housing security for thousands of residents
• The ULA measure took effect on April 1, 2023
• Has generated $632.59 million in revenue
• Helps approximately 11,000 residents stay in their homes
• Facilitated the construction of 795 affordable housing units
• Expected to accumulate about $4 billion in revenue in the future