In a significant win for the city of Los Angeles and its hospitality industry, the controversial Homeless-In-Hotels measure has been removed from the upcoming March 2024 ballot.
This move comes after UniteHere Local 11, the measure's sponsor, withdrew its support following Los Angeles City Council's final approval of a compromise ordinance negotiated by Mayor Bass and council president Paul Krekorian.
A compromise to protect hotels and employees
This resolution is seen as a vital step in safeguarding the well-being of hotel employees, particularly housekeepers, who would have been thrust into the frontline of care for homeless individuals.
Heather Rozman, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, expressed gratitude, stating:
"This solution ensures that our hotel community is thriving and able to continue providing excellent careers and economic benefits to our iconic neighborhood throughout Los Angeles."
Preventing reputational and financial harm
With the withdrawal of the Homeless-In-Hotels measure, the city and its hospitality community can now focus on repairing the reputational and financial harm already inflicted by the proposed initiative.
Lynn S Mohrfeld, president and CEO of the California Hotel & Lodging Association, acknowledged the efforts of Mayor Bass and council president Paul Krekorian in finding a common-sense solution.
She emphasised the importance of protecting hotel employees, guests and Los Angeles' overall reputation.
A resolution to two years of uncertainty
Unite Here's proposal had caused almost two years of uncertainty for hotel employees, hoteliers and the city of Los Angeles.
Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, commended the LA City Council for brokering a compromise to remove the Homeless-In-Hotels measure from the ballot. Rogers stated: "Forcing hotels to house homeless people next to paying guests is a proposal virtually everyone thinks is outrageous."
The resolution of this contentious issue is expected to bring relief and stability to the city's hospitality sector and its residents.
