I've lived in LA for 11 years and watched our cities decay while we argue about everything except solutions. Here's what happened when I tried to just sit in a park, and why the real debate about Trump's DC federalization isn't what you think.
Sources & Data:
DC has maintained crime rates more than double the national average for decades, while LA's homelessness increased 73% from 2015-2023. Even with recent improvements, both cities face chronic issues that have worsened significantly over the past decade.
DC's Persistently High Crime Rate:
Council on Criminal Justice:
"While the level of violence in Washington remains higher than average in our sample" of large U.S. cities SOLACHAN 2025 Chapter – Houseless Angelenos – Neighborhood Data for Social Change
USAFacts (Official Government Data):
2023: DC violent crime rate was 1,200 per 100,000 - 207.4% higher than the national average
If DC were a state, it would rank #1 in violent crime rate among all 50 states
NPR Analysis:
2012: DC homicide rate was 13.9 per 100,000 (historic 50-year low) State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition - National Alliance to End Homelessness
2024: DC homicide rate was roughly 25 per 100,000 - nearly double the 2012 rate State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition - National Alliance to End Homelessness
"FBI data shows that the homicide rate in D.C. has been steadily climbing since 2012" State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition - National Alliance to End Homelessness
LA Homelessness - Massive Decade-Long Increase:
Neighborhood Data for Social Change (Academic Research):
2015: 41,174 people experiencing homelessness in LA County
2023: Peak of 71,320 people - 73% increase over the decade
LA Homeless Services Authority (Official Data):
2025: 72,308 people experiencing homelessness (4% decrease from 2024)
Despite recent small decreases, still 75% higher than 2015 levels
LA Almanac:
2025: Unsheltered homelessness decreased 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, but homeless families increased by 5.9%
What do you think? Drop a comment below.
