Three years ago, Los Angeles voters approved a “mansion tax” that funds the construction of affordable housing. Supporters of the tax pitched it as a way to tackle the city’s affordability problems while simultaneously creating well-paying construction jobs.

So, how many jobs have been created so far? One eye-popping estimate cited by the tax’s oversight body has come under heavy criticism from local economists.

The estimate was included in an April news release from the committee, but it wasn’t immediately clear that the number was controversial. The celebratory post said the tax — officially known as Measure ULA — had “built 800 new affordable homes” and “created 10,000 union construction jobs” in its first two years.

“It was highly implausible,” said Michael Manville, a professor

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