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Dear Friend:
I want to share with you an update on the City’s budget, my priorities and hopes for finding some solutions to the crisis we face. Earlier this week, Mayor Bass delivered the State of the City address and she released her proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. In light of the City’s nearly $1 billion shortfall, her proposal includes:
- LAFD budget increases with 227 new positions, funding for more paramedics, more fast response vehicles and other resources
- Ongoing homeless motel funding so people don’t wind up back on the streets
- Continued funding for nearly 700 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers (PSRs)
- Using Special Fund sources and MOUs to retain trained public works crews
- Department Consolidations, functional reform, and position eliminations and swaps
- 1,647 layoffs – a decision of last resort
As you have likely heard, the City of Los Angeles is facing a budget crisis despite an annual budget of about $13 billion and the recent news that California’s economy is the fourth largest in the world. Due to an anticipated decline in General Fund revenue (lower tourism related and property tax collections), increased costs for labor and supplies, increased liabilities (jury awards and settlements) the City must either cut spending or raise revenue.
Throughout the City government, everyone will have to shoulder the burden of this current economic crisis. While we must make cuts, we also have a responsibility to maintain essential services—resurfacing streets, supporting construction and rebuilding, and ensuring public safety. At the same time, we face complex challenges: addressing homelessness, protecting our environment, and maintaining critical infrastructure, all while managing with fewer workers and lower-than-expected revenues.
Tough decisions will need to be made as we decide which programs to continue to fund, which improvement projects to move forward, and how to maintain our core City services. Finding the actual cuts, offsets, and putting together the details will occur in the Budget Committee where I will be working to find solutions as Vice Chair. As a steward of your tax dollars, I take these hearings very seriously to make sure our budget reflects your values. The most important voice in this process is yours, so if you haven’t already, please take my annual Budget Survey and let me know your priorities.
In addition to participating in my budget survey, you may provide in person public comment on Monday, April 28th from 4-8PM at City Hall. You are also able to provide written comments here for Council File 25-0600 anytime.
The Budget and Finance Committee meeting agenda and calendar can be found here and all hearings will be broadcasted live on Channel 35. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to reach out to me and my team at c03foryou@lacity.org.
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Construction is moving along at the Reseda Ice Rink, a key element in Councilmember Blumenfield’s Reseda Rising initiative. The mechanical and electrical equipment have been installed in addition to the ice chillers. More excitingly, the Zamboni room is taking shape as is the ice rink itself. The steel frame and membrane for the roof are being fabricated and will be installed in early summer. While we’ve had some unexpected delays, we are getting closer and closer to the grand opening! Stay tuned for more updates. |
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Considering Relocation Options for LA Zoo Elephants |
Since the Zoo is a citywide asset, Councilmember Blumenfield has moved to have the Los Angeles Zoo report to the Council on the relocation options for Billy and Tina. Blumenfield is requiring that the options being analyzed not only include the Tulsa Zoo, but also several elephant sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. He is also requiring that the zoo lays out both the financial and humanitarian pros and cons of the different options and not move the elephants or otherwise commit to where they will be relocated until the matter has been discussed and voted on by the full City Council. |
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Commemorating Yom HaShoah |
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky recently recognized Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, to commemorate the lives of the six million Jews and countless others who were murdered during the Holocaust. Youth ambassadors from Anne Frank LA joined and shared their experiences of teaching the story of the Holocaust and Anne Frank to other students. Los Angeles, a City proud of its multiculturalism, defies the cruelty of the Holocaust, and Angelenos of all backgrounds must continue to reflect and understand what it is to say “Never Again.” |
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Honoring Lanark Rec Center Girls Soccer Team |
Councilmember Blumenfield had the honor of recognizing the Lanark Rec Center Girls Soccer Team at City Hall for their Valley and City Tournament wins. Composed of talented young athletes ages 12 to 15, these girls have exemplified the spirit of perseverance and teamwork, in addition to proudly representing Canoga Park. Blumenfield also recognized Lanark’s Director, Jeremy Aldridge, for his efforts in transforming Lanark Park by offering a variety of programming and sports for local youth. Blumenfield and the community were proud of these young athletes for their dedication and achievements. |
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Celebrating Dispatch Week |
Last week was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Team Blumenfield visited the LAPD Dispatch Center to learn more about the vital work Police Service Representatives (PSRs)—also known as 9-1-1 dispatchers—do every day and to thank them for their service.
Whether you’re calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line, PSRs are always there to answer your call, provide assistance, and relay critical information to public safety officers in the field. PSRs are unsung heroes, and we thank them for their unwavering dedication to serving our community. |
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Cleaning and Greening the West Valley |
Councilmember Blumenfield’s partnership with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) continues to deliver results for the West Valley. Young Corpsmembers work hard each day to keep our communities clean. A few years ago, Blumenfield provided office space for the LACC within his district office building, and he regularly allocates district specific funds to LACC to specifically address needs in the local communities and he's always grateful to see their continued progress. He views this local team as a potent local clean-up strike force to help remove weeds, trash and other nuisances.
If you see bulky items, excess trash, graffiti, etc, call 818.774.4330 or email c03.foryou@lacity.org and we'll send a team out. |
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Team Blumenfield had an awesome time touring the Los Angeles Central Library with City Librarian John Szabo. Exploring this historic and vibrant space was truly inspiring. Libraries like this aren’t just about books — they’re welcoming community hubs where people of all ages can learn, get creative, and connect. |
Councilmember Blumenfield presided over the swearing-in of the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce Board members and congratulated them for the dedication to making a positive impact in the community. |
New Economics for Women hosted 18 elected officials from across the country affiliated with New American Leaders to explore community-driven solutions to housing, homelessness, and land use in LA. Councilmember Blumenfield shared his experiences and underscored the power of local leadership. |
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This week's photo, taken in 1962, is from the Valley Times Collection of the book offerings by the LA Public Library bookmobile. During this time, the bookmobile was parked at Victory Blvd and Platt Ave every Tuesday. This April marks Platt Branch Library's 30th Anniversary. Learn more about the photo here.
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Councilmember Bob Blumenfield 200 N Spring Street, Room 465, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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