On behalf of all of us at EmpowerLA, I want to acknowledge the chaos, fear, and uncertainty many Angelenos are facing right now in the midst of federal immigration enforcement raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and widespread protests. Los Angeles is unequivocally a city of immigrants, and the Neighborhood Council system prides itself on being expansive and inclusive to all – regardless of immigration status. The city has been working hard to provide resources at local libraries, community centers, and FamilySource centers to make sure every Angeleno knows their rights and has access to important immigration information. Neighborhood Councils have joined this effort, providing red cards across their communities and empowering their neighbors.
Whether you are at work, home, school, or in your community, the Office of the Mayor shared the following:
1 If officers ask you questions, you have the right to say: “I choose to remain silent.”
2 You have the right to consult with an attorney before answering any questions or signing any documents.
3 If you have valid U.S. immigration documents, carry them with you. Never carry false documents or lie about your immigration status.
4 No law enforcement officer can enter your home without your permission unless that officer has a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative warrant from the Department of Homeland Security does not give officers the right to enter your home against your will.
The diversity of Los Angeles is what makes our city truly special, and we will continue to work closely with the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles City Council, sister City departments, and the Neighborhood Council system during these challenging times.
A new housing development—Haven on Orange—is set to open in the West Adams District in Summer 2025. According to information provided by HVN Development, the project will offer 34 new 1- and 2-bedroom apartment units ranging in size from approximately 400 to 550 square feet, with rents starting from the low $2,000s.
The development is described as:
Within walking distance to Metrorail and close to major destinations including USC, entertainment, and healthcare centers.
Featuring new amenities such as elevators, laundry facilities, and secure bike storage.
Designed to provide high-quality, efficient homes with a focus on affordability and dignity in living.
📩 For more information, interested parties may contact HVN Development at HVNonOrange@apertopm.com or call (213) 992-6046. You can also visit HavenOnOrange.com.
This information is being provided as a courtesy to the community and is not an endorsement by the West Adams Neighborhood Council.
We’re excited to officially announce the results of the 2025 West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) election! Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and voted — your engagement strengthens our community and helps shape the future of West Adams. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the Board Members who will be representing our vibrant neighborhood:
At-Large Representatives
Dorsay Dujon (Returning Member)
Emily Reyes (New Member)
Angela Gilbert (Returning Member)
Jhoiey Ramirez (New Member)
Business Representative
Richard P. Williams (Returning Member)
Youth Representative
Alexandria Sulaimankhil (New Member)
Homeowner Representative
Ernesto Ramirez (New Member)
Community Interest Representative
Connye Thomas (Returning Member)
We are thrilled to have a dynamic mix of fresh energy and seasoned leadership on the Board. Returning members Dorsay Dujon, Angela Gilbert, Richard P. Williams, and Connye Thomas bring valuable experience and deep community knowledge, while our new members — Emily Reyes, Jhoiey Ramirez, Alexandria Sulaimankhil, and Ernesto Ramirez — bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to help West Adams thrive.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the candidates who ran and to every community member who participated in this important election. Stay tuned for updates on the official swearing-in ceremony and upcoming meetings. The future is bright for West Adams, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together! Congratulations to all! #TogetherForWestAdams
The Urgent Need for a Public Bank A Financial Lifeline for Equity and Resilience
Los Angeles faces intersecting crises—from wildfires and unaffordable housing to aging infrastructure and systemic inequity. Amid these challenges, big banks drain $1.4 billionannually in debt service and financing costs from the City, as outlined in the City’s 2024/25 Budget. This substantial sum could rebuild neighborhoods, fund disaster resilience, recapture public dollars for local reinvestment, reduce costs, and support long-overlooked marginalized communities.
The Municipal Bank of Los Angeles (MBLA) is a proposed nonprofit, city-owned, tax-exempt wholesale bank that manages the City’s finances while collaborating with local lenders to maximize community impact. It leverages municipal funds to finance affordable housing, green infrastructure, and equitable recovery efforts. Operating without retail services (e.g., branches, ATMs, checking accounts), the bank maintains low overhead, focuses exclusively on amplifying public resources, keeping profits within LA.
The MBLA is governed by an independent board and managed by bankers and financial experts separate from City Hall, ensuring strict state and federal regulatory oversight while aligning every dollar with the City’s equity and sustainability goals.
1. Accelerate Affordable Housing
Today’s affordable housing requires 12+ revenue sources, a maze of grants, tax credits, and private loans that delays projects by years and significantly inflates costs.
A public bank is a one-stop financial engine, consolidating funding streams and offering low-interest loans to fast-track construction.
A public bank can quickly and efficiently finance affordable housing development and preservation, keeping more LA families stably housed sooner.
2. Disaster Response That Works
Provide immediate financial relief to families and small businesses post-wildfires.
Fund fire-resistant grids, landslide stabilization, and climate-ready infrastructure.
Recent Executive Orders at the federal level have jeopardized recovery funding. A public bank ensures LA maintains fiscal autonomy during uncertain times.
3. Save Millions Annually
Nearly 50% of housing and infrastructure costs are currently wasted on banking fees.
By using its own capital and credit, Los Angeles can save millions in fees, interest, and debt service currently paid to private banks.
Diverting these funds into a public bank allows the City to offer low-cost loans for schools, roads, and disaster resilience.
Through fractional reserve lending, each dollar deposited can generate up to ten dollars in lending power, with loan repayments reinvesting back into the public bank.
4. Proven Success: Bank of North Dakota (BND)
State-owned public bank established in 1919. Over 105+ years of successful operation.
BND prioritizes residents and remains profitable, earning 18% return on equity (2023).
Public reinvestment: Transferred over $1 billion to ND’s general fund, directly supporting small businesses, schools, infrastructure, and public services.
Rated A+ by S&P—safer than Wall Street banks; exceptionally stable public institution.
5. Feasibility & Impact
Backed by rigorous research. Lending models show the LA Public Bank can generate profits while funding 17,000+ affordable units in its first decade—reinvesting earnings into schools, parks, and climate resilience.
Transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future demands long-term financing. Public banks can catalyze this shift by bridging financing gaps for green projects that private lenders often leave unaddressed.
Fund public projects with recycled city funds instead of tax hikes or additional borrowing and debt. The City will generate more revenue from property taxes on housing projects than from U.S. Treasury Bill investments (1.74% as of Sept. 2024).
Public bank profits return to LA communities instead of private shareholders, cutting red tape for critical projects from green energy to modernized schools.
Next Steps The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the public bank feasibility study under California’s Public Banking Act in June 2023 and May 2024. Now, the City must allocate $460K to fund the RFP so consultants can start their work. This minimal investment will save millions in the short term and build the financial infrastructure needed before the next crisis strikes.
Why This Matters: Our Money, Our Values, Our Bank.
Fiscal responsibility. Funds city needs without raising taxes, cutting essential services, or borrowing more and increasing debt.
Urgency. Disasters won’t wait—LA needs a bank that can act fast in the public interest.
Accountability. Transparent, city-owned bank with robust public oversight and ethical guardrails.
The West Adams Neighborhood Council (WANC) is excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Neighborhood Council Elections, providing stakeholders an opportunity to shape the future of our community. This year, all elections will be conducted exclusively through Vote-By-Mail (VBM), ensuring a convenient and accessible voting process for all participants.
Key Election Dates:
• Candidate Filing Period: December 6, 2024 – January 20, 2025
• Election Day: April 8, 2025
How to Participate:
1. Request Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot:
• Online: Visit the City Clerk’s VBM application portal to submit your request.
• By Mail: Download the VBM application form, complete it, and send it to the Office of the City Clerk – Election Division at 555 Ramirez Street, Space 300, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Ensure your application is submitted well before the election date to receive your ballot on time.
2. Complete and Return Your Ballot:
• Once you receive your VBM ballot, carefully follow the instructions to mark your choices.
• Return your completed ballot using the provided postage-paid envelope. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, April 8, 2025, to be counted.
Who Can Vote:
If you live, work, own property, or have a community interest within the West Adams boundaries and are at least 16 years old, you’re eligible to vote in the WANC elections. This inclusivity ensures diverse representation and voices within our council.
Get Involved:
Serving on the Neighborhood Council is a meaningful way to influence decisions affecting West Adams. While the candidate filing period has concluded, you can still engage by attending council meetings, participating in committees, and, most importantly, casting your vote.
Stay Informed:
For the latest updates, detailed election information, and resources, visit the West Adams Neighborhood Council website. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our community.
Make your voice heard—vote in the 2025 West Adams Neighborhood Council Elections!
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