Mayor Bass’s Plan Prioritizes Housing, Safety, and Accountability
Mayor Karen Bass unveiled her proposed budget on Monday, outlining her vision to propel Los Angeles forward with continued investments in housing, safety, and essential services for all residents. The budget reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, aiming to reset the city’s budgeting process to better serve Angelenos.
“I am releasing a proposed budget today that makes investments to continue the urgent work we began together last year,” Mayor Bass stated. “This budget serves as a reset, prioritizing core city services and a more honest, transparent, and focused budget process to build on the foundation of a new Los Angeles.”
According to the press release from Mayor Bass’ office, the budget also prioritizes public safety, with a focus on recruiting and retaining police officers, strengthening gang prevention and community violence intervention programs, and funding for firefighter hires. Additionally, investments in city services include hiring for critical positions in sanitation, street services, and park maintenance.
It states that the proposed budget maintains a focus on urgently addressing homelessness, with $950 million allocated to respond to the crisis and fund efforts to reduce homelessness. While this represents a decrease from the previous year’s allocation due in part to the winding down of Proposition HHH, Mayor Bass emphasized the ongoing urgency of the issue.
The press release adds that Mayor Bass believes in the importance of sustainability. The budget prioritizes investments in fighting climate change, transportation electrification, water recycling, and organics recycling. It also continues investments to create opportunities for young people, families, and vulnerable residents, with an eye toward capitalizing on economic opportunities, including the upcoming 2028 Games.
Mayor Bass emphasized responsible and transparent governance. The budget replenished the city’s cash reserves and ensured preparedness for economic uncertainties ahead. The proposed budget will now be considered by the City Council’s Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee.
You can read the mayor’s letter to the city council here, the budget summary document here, and the full budget here.
