Los Angeles to Pay $38.2 Million Settlement

Los Angeles has agreed to pay $38.2 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it failed to meet federal accessibility requirements when using HUD grant funds for affordable housing. The lawsuit, initiated by a resident who uses a wheelchair and the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley, claimed that the city systematically misrepresented the accessibility of its multifamily housing units. Federal laws mandate that 5% of such units be accessible for mobility impairments and an additional 2% for sensory impairments, requirements that Los Angeles allegedly did not fulfill for over a decade. Furthermore, the city was accused of not maintaining a public list of accessible units or designating a city employee to oversee accessibility efforts. While the settlement resolves the allegations, it does not equate to an admission of liability by the city. The Justice Department emphasized the importance of compliance with federal laws to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.