Voter-approved Measure A, a pivotal half-cent sales tax aimed at tackling homelessness, officially took effect on April 1, 2025. This landmark initiative is the first dedicated revenue stream in the county designed to comprehensively address homelessness, focusing on everything from prevention to securing permanent housing for those in need.

The measure, which received the backing of LA County voters in November 2024, seeks to not only provide support for homeless housing and services but also to make housing more affordable across the county. By addressing both immediate needs and the underlying causes of homelessness, Measure A aims to help individuals currently experiencing homelessness secure permanent solutions while fostering affordable housing construction and supporting vulnerable renters.

Measure A replaces the quarter-cent sales tax for county homeless services, known as Measure H, which was set to expire in 2027. This new half-cent tax is projected to generate over $1 billion annually to be shared among LA County, city governments, and various agencies, including the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA).

In a significant step toward effective implementation, the LA County Board of Supervisors adopted a Regional Plan on March 25, 2025. This plan outlines baseline and target metrics, incorporating feedback from both the Equity Coalition for Racial and Homeless Advocacy (ECRHA) and the Los Angeles Tenants’ Rights Alliance (LTRHA). The initiatives funded by Measure A are expected to contribute to the goals set in the Responsive Regional Plan by tracking progress and refining strategies as necessary.

The allocation of Measure A funds will focus on several key areas:

• Comprehensive Homeless Services: 60%
• Local Solutions Fund: 15%
• Homelessness Solutions Innovations: 1.65%
• Accountability, Data, and Research: 1.25%
• Local Housing Production: 3%
• Housing Agency for Affordable Housing and Prevention (LACAHSA): 33.75%

As a living plan, the Responsive Regional Plan will continuously evolve, allowing for adjustments as LA County adapts and improves its responses to homelessness. With the implementation of Measure A, LA County is taking bold steps toward creating lasting change and improving the quality of life for its most vulnerable residents.