The city of Los Angeles has spent more than $1.73 million on thousands of so-called “anti-homeless” signs in recent years, according to data from the City Administrative Officer (CAO) obtained by L.A. TACO.
The signs are part of the expansion of LAMC 41.18, the city’s controversial “anti-camping” law that bans homeless people from sitting, lying, or sleeping near schools and daycares.
Under the ordinance, the city council can also prohibit the unhoused from congregating in “sensitive areas,” such as active railways and rec centers, at the request of a council member.
The signs are made by the city’s General Services Division (GSD) and Iium Associates, a private strategic marketing and design firm.
Fabrication, installation, and maintenance make up the bulk of costs, according to a 2021 contract between Ilium and the city. But at the time, Ilium also anticipated spending tens of thousands of dollars on assessing locations, security as well as “camera ready art” and maps.