On May 22, the City Council approved the Budget and Finance Committee’s report on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The session featured robust and thoughtful debate on several critical issues, including proposals to expand upcoming LAPD recruit classes, restore funding to LAFD to reverse recent firefighter cuts, establish a Bureau of Homelessness Oversight and Accountability, and evaluate the future of the City’s public matching funds program.
In a significant achievement, the Council—working closely with the Office of the Chief Legislative Analyst—successfully safeguarded over 1,000 City jobs, preserving stability for our dedicated municipal workforce.
Despite confronting one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory, the Council remained committed to maintaining core programs and staff positions to prevent service disruptions for Angelenos. Key services that the Council restored include:
The Department of Transportation’s Crossing Guard Program, which places safety personnel at school crossings to protect children.
The Department Sanitation’s Illegal Dumping Teams, tasked with removing bulky items and keeping public areas clean.
RepresentLA, which provides vital immigration legal defense services for vulnerable residents.
The Bureau of Street Service’s Tree Trimming Program, which sends city crews to trim overgrown trees.
The Board of Public Works Graffiti Abatement, contractual services that dispatch cleaning crews to remove graffiti along major and residential corridors.
Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) Domestic Violence, contractual services that bring essential resources to survivors like shelter beds.
The Mayor’s Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), which provides gang intervention and prevention services through community engagement and programming.
The budget also includes funding to send up to 45 firefighters to paramedic training programs, an investment that will strengthen the City’s disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
Additionally, the Council voted to delay the proposed consolidation of the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), CIFD, Department of Aging, and Youth Development Department. This consolidation will remain on hold until a comprehensive report detailing all potential impacts is presented. Until then, each department will continue to operate independently.
The budget was adopted with a 12-3 vote, despite some dissent.
“I am especially proud to share that District 9 secured major wins in this year’s budget process,” stated Councilmember Price. “Funding was approved for Slauson Connect—a proposed multi-million dollar innovation and recreation center that will serve as a transformative community hub. Additionally, CD9 will retain several of its allocated CARE/CARE+ cleanup days, ensuring we have the necessary resources to maintain cleanliness and safety throughout our neighborhoods.”