Last week, our Budget and Finance Committee reached one of the most critical points in the City’s annual budget process. After weeks of hearings, we sat down to go line by line through department requests, identify potential savings, and discuss what we could responsibly restore from the Mayor’s Proposed Budget. 

I won’t sugarcoat it. This was a day of incredibly difficult decisions. While we’re working hard to preserve city services and avoid layoffs, the truth is we can’t save every position. What we can do is make thoughtful, strategic choices that reflect our values and priorities. For me, that means asking three key questions: Is this a structural change that puts us on a more sustainable path? Does it restore or protect a core service that Angelenos rely on every day? And does it improve how we function as a city—by reducing liabilities, generating revenue, or delivering services more effectively? 

With that lens, among my top priorities is restoring funding for the 133 specialized civilian employees at LAPD who provide critical support to public safety. These are forensic technicians, crime scene photographers, and investigators with specialized skills that sworn officers simply cannot replicate. Protecting these roles is about making sure our officers have the support they need to do their jobs, from processing evidence to solving cases and keeping communities safe. 

We also discussed restoring positions in departments that keep our city running: Street Services crews who fix potholes and clean our streets, planners who help move important development projects and plans forward, and transportation staff who manage safety and traffic flow. These are the services residents see and feel every day, and it is important to protect them wherever we can. 

This is by no means the end of the process. The Chief Legislative Analyst’s office will now take the committee’s direction, see what is possible given the many competing, important priorities, and draft a revised budget for the Budget and Finance Committee to consider this Friday. And they have their work cut out for them. Unlike in past years, the committee didn’t just make tweaks to the mayor’s proposal. In many ways, that would have been easier. Instead, we made significant changes that reprioritize the budget to better reflect the needs of Angelenos. We took steps to protect essential services, identified areas for new revenue, and found creative ways to save positions slated for layoffs.  

We didn’t choose this financial situation. But we are choosing to face it honestly, transparently, and responsibly. The changes we’re looking to make  reflect our values and a commitment to delivering core services, even under tough conditions. 

As always, I will keep you updated as the committee continues our work.  

All my best, 

Katy  

If your property falls within the revised FHSZ, you may see changes in local building codes or brush clearance rules. These adjustments are aimed at improving fire resilience and protecting communities from the growing threat of wildfires. 

To listen by phone:

English: 888-978-8818, Access Code: 5647249# 

Español: 888-978-8818, Access Code: 7292892#

The Metro Board will vote on the final budget on Thursday, May 22. Learn more and share your input at budget.metro.net.