Population Growth Returns to County as ADU Building Soars
Los Angeles, CA · August 13, 2026
Overcast skies keep midday warmth gentle today, making it ideal weather to take care of outdoor errands before catching a concert or community meeting tonight.
The Lead
A new housing study from the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate shows the county added roughly 100,000 residents over the past year, marking the region's first net population growth since 2015. Researchers attribute much of the stabilization to a record-breaking surge in accessory dwelling units and modest expansions in low-income rental developments.
While the population uptick signals renewed regional economic momentum, the housing deficit continues to squeeze renters and limit options for first-time buyers. The report emphasizes that while state-level zoning reforms unlocked thousands of backyard casitas, total residential construction must still accelerate to keep pace with demand. City planning officials across the basin face the next hurdle: expanding local infrastructure and transit lines to match these newly densified neighborhoods.
Local Pulse
Metro Hosts Vermont Transit Corridor Meeting Neighborhood residents gather at Los Angeles City College tonight to review rapid transit plans along Vermont Avenue.
LAX Century Boulevard Lane Closures Tonight Construction crews installing pedestrian bridge support columns will restrict westbound traffic near Sepulveda Boulevard overnight.
Cal State LA Study Tracks Pollinators Researchers confirmed native plant gardens across the metropolitan area significantly increased wild bee and butterfly populations.
Today's Outlook
- High 84°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
- Overcast skies keep midday temperatures pleasant for walking or running outdoor errands.
What's On Around Town
Hollyhock House Self-Guided Tours Hollyhock House (4800 Hollywood Blvd), 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic UNESCO landmark at your own pace.
Quicksand with Bane The Bellwether (333 S Boylston St), 6:30 PM Catch legendary post-hardcore bands sharing a stage for one noisy night.
Anaheim: Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Angel Stadium, 6:38 PM Take a short drive south for American West division baseball action.
Judith Hill Blue Note LA, 7:00 PM Grammy-winning vocalist delivers intimate soul and funk sets in Hollywood.
Santana Hollywood Bowl, 7:00 PM Legendary Latin rock guitar anthems ring out under the stars.
Spotlight & Story
- Encino Velodrome
- Tucked behind a San Fernando Valley park, this volunteer-run, 252-meter concrete track has hosted track cyclists since 1961. Its steep 35-degree banked turns challenge riders of all skill levels, keeping local fixed-gear culture spinning smoothly.
Los Angeles Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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