Industry NewsAHLA Shares Statement Regarding Withdrawn Homelessness Proposal

AHLA Shares Statement Regarding Withdrawn Homelessness Proposal

WASHINGTON—American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO Chip Rogers released a statement after the Los Angeles City Council voted to withdraw from the March 2024 ballot a union-backed measure that would have required all hotels in the city to house people experiencing homelessness next to guests.

The ballot measure was proposed by Unite Here Local 11, a union representing Los Angeles hospitality workers. Unite Here agreed to remove the ballot measure under pressure from hoteliers and the LA City Council.

“For nearly two years, Unite Here created an atmosphere of dangerous uncertainty for hotel employees, hoteliers, and the City of Los Angeles by clinging to a proposal virtually everyone thinks is outrageous—forcing hotels to house homeless people next to paying guests. Today’s vote by the council removes Unite Here’s ridiculous homeless-in-hotels proposal from the ballot, and the union’s consent to this vote makes clear that its irresponsible demand was just a bargaining chip, rather than a serious attempt to address the homelessness crisis gripping LA,” said Rogers. “We thank the LA City Council for brokering a compromise to get the homeless-in-hotels measure off the ballot. With its actions in LA, Unite Here showed that even the safety and security of its own members is up for negotiation. We urge leaders in LA and other cities to use this episode to inform their future interactions with Unite Here and to put hotel employee and guest safety first, even when Unite Here refuses to do so.”

RELATED ARTICLES

Residence Inn by Marriott Irvine John Wayne Airport/Orange County Completes Renovation

IRVINE, California—Residence Inn by Marriott Irvine John Wayne Airport/Orange County announced the completion of the renovation of its guestrooms. The renovation includes new corridors,...

Highgate Appoints Pete Sams as President

NEW YORK, New York—Highgate announced the appointment of Pete Sams as president. Sams will focus on optimizing business performance to improve financial results for...

Sonesta Announces Opening of Red Lion Inn & Suites Blue Springs

NEWTON, Massachusetts—Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Red Lion Inn & Suites Blue Springs. The 60-room, midscale hotel is located in Blue...

Powerful Platforms: Energy Management Systems That Offer Robust Analytics While Streamlining Installation

Refining energy management technology to help reduce usage and expenses will always be a priority for the hospitality industry, and the impetus is especially...

It’s Not Just About The Room: Curating Experience-First Itineraries for Affluent Guests

Let’s face it, five-star hotel rooms are reliably excellent, but largely the same. Luxurious beds? Check. Marble bathrooms? Of course. A television you won’t...

Former Shangri-La Vancouver Joins Hyatt Portfolio

CHICAGO, Illinois—Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans for a luxury Park Hyatt hotel in downtown Vancouver, slated to open in 2026. The hotel, formerly Shangri-La...