James K. Hahn and Steve Soboroff, who had previously given public support for the proposed expansion, albeit with some restrictions, have recently signed a pledge opposing the plan. The pledge, which was drafted by the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion, calls for the creation of a whole new air transportation plan for the region. The ARSAG pledge, which is supported by all six mayoral candidates, states that the currently proposed expansion plan should not even be submitted to the city for a vote.

Blueprints for the currently proposed LAX expansion program, which were released in January, call for the construction of a new terminal and lengthening of runways, among other changes. When completed, the expansion would increase passenger traffic to 89 million annually, from the current 67 million.

The LAX market has been one of the strongest in recent months, with higher passenger and cargo volume at LAX fueling a renaissance in the real estate market around the facility. In addition, the area's office market has been strengthened by an increase in tenants seeking an alternative to the pricier Westside. These factors have pushed down vacancies at existing projects and triggered a wave of new construction.