The Effects of the Measure ULA (United to House LA) Transfer Tax on Economic Development and Municipal Finances in Los Angeles

Jason M. Ward, Lizhong Liu, Elizabeth Selby, Phoebe Rose Levine

ResearchPublished May 28, 2026

Measure ULA has raised $1.2 billion for affordable housing and tenant assistance but has reduced high-value real estate sales by 31% and housing production by over 9,000 new units through early 2026. Forgone revenue to Los Angeles and associated agencies totals $452 million. Targeted reform could generate $823 million in municipal revenue over 10 years, produce 19,000 new housing units, and preserve 72% of current ULA revenue.

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Ward, Jason M., Lizhong Liu, Elizabeth Selby, and Phoebe Rose Levine, The Effects of the Measure ULA (United to House LA) Transfer Tax on Economic Development and Municipal Finances in Los Angeles. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA4928-1.html.
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This research was supported by a generous grant from the California Community Foundation. This research was conducted by the RAND Housing Center within RAND Education, Employment, and Infrastructure.

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