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Earlier today, Mayor Bass released her proposed budget for the year ahead, outlining how Los Angeles plans to fund core services during a challenging fiscal moment. I appreciate the Mayor’s work to put forward a balanced proposal that prioritizes public safety, housing, and the services people rely on every day, while also acknowledging the difficult decisions ahead.
As Chair of the Budget Committee, I will lead the Council’s review of this proposal. Over the next several weeks, we will go department by department, hold public hearings, and hear directly from City departments and Angelenos. This will be a thorough and transparent process, and we will make changes where needed to deliver a final budget that reflects the priorities of the communities we represent.
There are several opportunities to be part of the budget process. Tomorrow night, I’ll be hosting a virtual Community Conversation to walk through the proposal and answer questions. Details below:
Virtual Community Conversation on the City Budget:
Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00 PM on Zoom,
On Friday, the Council begins formal budget hearings, which include public comment. Information on how to submit public comment can be found here. These moments help shape the decisions we will make over the next several weeks.
The City’s budget is where policy meets outcomes. It determines the services people rely on every day and the investments we are able to make in our neighborhoods. As this process moves forward, I’ll continue sharing updates and making sure there are opportunities for you to stay informed and involved.
All my best,
Katy Yaroslavsky |
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LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries are Officially Open
LACMA's David Geffen Galleries are officially open! I joined the official ribbon cutting on Sunday morning of the new Peter Zumthor-designed building, and can't wait for you to experience it. Member previews started yesterday, and early next month the new galleries will open to the general public, just as we celebrate the new D-Line station opening across the street! |
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CD5-CD11 Dedicated Street Lighting Repair Crew
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Street Lighting’s Dedicated Council District 5 Street Lighting Repair Crew completed the first rounds of repairs across the District. Crews restored lighting at sites that had been out for months and made targeted upgrades to help prevent future theft and vandalism.
This effort is part of a focused approach to reduce the backlog of outages more quickly. By funding a team of technicians dedicated to Council Districts 5 and 11, we are able to move faster while also supporting broader system improvements across the city. |
Debris Removal in Palms, Mid City West & Country Club Heights
Last week, my team worked with LA Sanitation to remove debris and bulky items from several locations across the district. Crews cleared National Boulevard in Palms; Beverly Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, and Burton Way and Willaman Drive in Mid City West; and Manhattan Place in Country Club Heights. |
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Commodity And Procurement Motion
Last Wednesday, the Council approved my motion to strengthen how the City purchases goods and services. The motion calls for an independent audit of the City’s commodity procurement process, including whether we are paying more than other agencies for the same materials and how competitive our bidding process is.
In some cases, the City is locked into contracts that prevent staff from choosing lower-cost options, even when they are available. This effort looks at how we can fix that by increasing flexibility, improving pricing standards, and expanding competition among vendors. This is about accountability and making sure taxpayer dollars go as far as possible.
Gross Receipts Tax Initiative Petition
On Wednesday, the Council took the first step in responding to a certified ballot initiative that would repeal the City’s Gross Receipts Tax for most businesses. Under the City Charter, once a petition qualifies, the Council must either adopt the measure, send it to voters, or request additional analysis. In this case, the Council requested the CAO prepare additional analysis before the item is placed on a future ballot.
If approved, the proposal would eliminate roughly $800 million in annual revenue that supports core City services. That funding pays for basic operations people rely on every day, including public safety, street repairs, and sidewalk maintenance. There is no identified plan to replace those funds, which would force difficult decisions about what gets cut and what does not.
I voted to send this to the ballot because the Charter requires us to act, but I want to be clear about my concerns. A loss of this scale would have immediate impacts on service delivery, from emergency response times to the condition of our streets and sidewalks. A city that cannot provide reliable services is not a place where businesses or residents can thrive.
I support making Los Angeles more business-friendly, and I have worked to cut red tape and improve how the City supports economic growth. Those efforts need to be grounded in a real plan. Any proposal to change our tax structure must also show how we sustain the services people depend on every day.
Transportation Communications Network (TCN)
Council approved the first step of an ordinance to establish how revenue from the Transportation Communications Network will be allocated through the City’s annual budget process. This creates a clear structure for how funds are programmed and ensures transparency as revenue begins to come in.
Under the ordinance, funding will be split between citywide priorities and local needs. Twenty-five percent will support broader transportation investments, while 75 percent will be allocated directly to Council districts based on where the infrastructure is located. These funds can be used for improvements like sidewalks, street safety upgrades, transit amenities, and other projects that support mobility and access.
This approach ensures that as revenue is generated, a meaningful portion is reinvested back into the communities where it is produced, supporting local improvements that residents see and use every day. |
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The Ebell of Los Angeles
Last Friday, I joined Councilmember Monica Rodriguez in recognizing The Ebell of Los Angeles for more than a century of work supporting women through education, the arts, and community service. Under the leadership of CEO Stacy Brightman and President Randi Jones, the organization continues to serve as a space for connection and civic engagement. We’re grateful for their presence in our district and the role they play in bringing people together. |
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Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project Community Update Meetings
In January 2026, the Metro Board selected the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project. Metro is hosting community meetings to provide an overview of the LPA and an update on next steps, including information about the environmental process, geotechnical investigations and project delivery.
Friday, April 24, 2026 12:00-1:00pm (Register Here)
Webinar ID: 867 0702 7295
Call In Number: 213.338.8477
Monday, April 27, 2026 5:30-7:30pm (Presentation will begin at 6pm)
Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center
5056 Van Nuys Bl, Building B Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 6:00-8:00pm (Presentation will begin at 6:30pm)
Veterans Memorial Building Rotunda Room
4117 Overland Ave Culver City, CA 90230
Saturday, May 2, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm (Presentation will begin at 10:30am)
Marvin Braude Constituent Center
6262 Van Nuys Bl Van Nuys, CA 91401
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:30–7:30pm (Presentation will begin at 6pm)
Westwood United Methodist Church
10497 Wilshire Bl Los Angeles, CA 90024
Embracing Neurodiversity In Transportation
At last week’s Metro Operations, Safety, and Customer Experience Committee, the Board received a report back on a motion I co-authored last year to make the system more inclusive for riders with autism and other developmental disabilities.
We were encouraged to see Metro staff deliver a thoughtful and comprehensive response, grounded in robust community engagement. Through surveys, listening sessions, and real-world testing, staff centered the lived experiences of neurodiverse riders and caregivers, going beyond a check-the-box approach, to develop meaningful, actionable recommendations. |
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Spring Earth Day Fair & Bug Hunt
Join my office and the Robertson Recreation Center on Thursday, April 23, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for an afternoon of outdoor activities focused on sustainability and community. The event will include crafts, live entertainment, jumpers, lawn games, and a dedicated play area for younger kids.
A Bug Hunt and Rescue activity will take place at 5:15 PM, and free snacks will be available while supplies last. Admission is free, and I encourage you to register in advance to reserve your spot.
WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
WHERE: Robertson Recreation Center (1641 Preuss Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90035)
On Sunday, April 26, CicLAvia returns to our district, turning miles of roadway into a car-free route from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a chance to experience the neighborhood on foot, by bike, or however you choose to move through the city.
This route runs along Westwood Boulevard into the heart of Westwood Village, creating space to explore local businesses along the way. I encourage you to stop along the corridor south of Wilshire Boulevard, including Persian Square, and continue into the Village to support local shops and restaurants.
WHEN: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: Along Westwood Boulevard, connecting Santa Monica Boulevard to Westwood Village
April Reduced Adoption Fee Weekends
LA Animal Services will offer reduced adoption fees every weekend in April to help the pets in our six Centers to find loving homes. To encourage animal lovers to adopt, LA Animal Services invites you to meet your new canine buddy or feline friend at one of our special adoption weekend events.
Reduced Adoption Fees:
April 25-26: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Adoption Weekend
Reduced adoption fees for dogs, $51 (that does not include $20 license fee for LA City residents); puppies, $75, cats, $12.50; and kittens, $25 Contact info@pawsforlifecanine.org for more details. |
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If you have any need pertaining to the City of Los Angeles, please reach out:
City Hall Office
200 N. Spring Street, Suite 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 473-7005
District Office
5416 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 866-1828
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Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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