City Council approves resolutions to begin eminent‑domain process for LAX modernization projects

The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-0 on June 4 to adopt ordinances authorizing the start of eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire properties identified as needed for projects tied to the LAX terminal modernization program.

The vote followed an oral presentation from the airport’s government‑affairs team and comments from representatives of property owners. City staff told the council the acquisitions would be pursued only after voluntary purchase efforts and that the resolutions are procedural steps necessary to move the project forward if negotiations do not result in agreements.

City staff said the ordinances set determinations of public necessity and site compatibility required by law and asked the council to adopt them so staff can begin the next legal steps. The presentation noted that adoption of the ordinances does not itself set or adjudicate compensation for any property interest and that negotiations could continue after adoption. The staff presentation also reminded the council that the ordinances require a two‑thirds vote for adoption.

Representatives of the Los Angeles Community College District urged the council to favor negotiating a complete acquisition of a campus‑adjacent parcel rather than a partial taking, saying partial acquisition would disrupt campus operations during construction and reduce usable property. Attorneys representing other property owners said they were engaged in negotiations and reserved formal protest of the city’s “necessity” determinations while asking the city to continue negotiations.

After the public hearing closed, the council voted to adopt the ordinances and the attached resolutions of necessity. The clerk recorded the final tally as 14 in favor, none opposed.

What council members approved are the procedural ordinances and resolutions required to identify and, if necessary, acquire property rights for the airport modernization effort; the specific compensation amounts and any final property transfers remain subject to negotiation or separate legal processes. The council record includes letters from property owners received May 29 and June 2 that were entered into the file.

Implementation notes: City staff said voluntary purchase efforts preceded the hearing and that the eminent‑domain path would be used only as a last resort. Council members were told negotiations continue with multiple property owners and that adoption of the resolutions is intended to keep the overall project schedule on track.

Provenance: Material for this article is drawn from the council’s June 4 hearing on agenda item 1 (presentation by airport staff and subsequent public comments and vote).