There are a lot of important questions about Cityhood, and we hope to provide accurate answers to these questions. Please feel free to use the comments to ask any other questions, and they'll be included in this FAQ.

Are we part of the City of Los Angeles?

No. East Los Angeles is not part of any city, it is an unincorporated area, meaning that we are a administered by the County of Los Angeles. East L.A. has no city council, no mayor, and no public commissions. That is why the plan for Cityhood requires that we incorporate for the first time, instead of seceding like the San Fernando Valley sought to do in 2002.

Will becoming a city increase my Property Taxes?

No. Since 1978, Prop 13 rolled back property taxes/assessments to 1975 market values, which limited the property tax rate to 1%, and limited future property tax increases. Property taxes cannot be increased by local government even if East LA became its own city.
Having our own city will foster a renewed sense of ownership and pride in our residents, thus holding each other accountable for the beautification of our community. Like in most cities, this may lead to enhanced property values in our new city!

What about Eminent Domain? Wil the new city automatically use the power of eminent domain to take over my property?

No. Eminent Domain is the power of local, state, or federal government agencies, such as LA County, to take private property for public use so long as the government pays fair compensation. East LA becomign a city does not affect the existing power of eminent domain and will not be automatically used by the local government. In addition, the recent passage of Proposition 99 further limits the use of eminent domain against owner-occupied residences for private projects by government agencies such as the LA Count yand our proposed new city of East LA.
Becoming a city will give us the opportunity to elect our own local government body solely responsible to represent the best interest of our community. This will give East LA residents the power to self-representation, self-control, and self-governance.