Which Way, L.A.?
How Do Hotel Subsidies Benefit City Taxpayers?
The Los Angeles City Council is moving forward with nearly $180 million in tax subsidies for two major hotel projects. Can LA afford it when City Hall already struggles to fill potholes or respond quickly to fires?
By Steve Chiotakis • • 26m ListenThe Los Angeles City Council is moving forward with nearly $180 million in tax subsidies for two major hotel projects. The goal? To boost construction around downtown’s Convention Center and lure developers who say it’s not worth it to them without an added bonus. And it could be a permanent tax subsidy. Can LA afford it when City Hall already struggles to fill potholes or respond quickly to fires? We’ll hear the pros and cons of enticing big name developers to build what – and where - city officials desire.
Also: What does your neighborhood smell like to you? We’ll hear from an artist who’s mapped the scent of the city.
Banner Image: Demolition of the Wilshire Grand Hotel, at 7th and Figueroa Streets, in Downtown Los Angeles. It will be replaced with the Wilshire Grand Tower, which will be part of a mixed-use hotel, retail, and office complex. Image Credit: Downtowngal
In this episode
2 storiesThe Pros and Cons of Hotel Subsidies in LA
Today the LA City Council took another step in approving subsidies for a major hotel development project downtown. The Frank Gehry designed Grand Avenue Project will bring housing restaurants and a 4 star hotel to a site across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Read the story18 minMapping the Scents of the City
If you live in LA, there's a smell for pretty much every part of the city. One artist has an exhibit coming up at the Santa Monica Museum of Art this weekend that strictly uses the other sense to experience the diversity of our city. Steve Chiotakis spoke with Brian Goeltzenleuchter about the intricacies of putting Angeleno noses to the test.
Read the story8 min