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This week, the City Council passed the revised FY 2026-27 budget after weeks of public comment, department-by-department hearings, and detailed review in the Budget and Finance Committee.
This budget puts Los Angeles in a stronger position than last year, when the City faced a nearly billion-dollar shortfall and the possibility of widespread layoffs. We are still nowhere near where we need to be. Costs continue to rise, future revenues remain uncertain, and many City services are still not operating at the level residents reasonably expect.
But this budget starts to rebuild fiscal stability. It protects core services, maintains or increases major investments in homelessness, public safety, fire response, and infrastructure, and begins restoring some of the cuts we had to make last year. It also invests in services people see in their neighborhoods every day, including Clean Corridors, tree trimming, graffiti abatement, deferred maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and street improvements.
As Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, my focus was on making targeted changes that strengthen the City’s reserves, support basic services, and keep Los Angeles moving toward a stronger financial footing. The final budget increases the Reserve Fund to $515.1 million, or 6% of General Fund revenues, and increases the Budget Stabilization Fund transfer from $9 million to $14.5 million.
That discipline is especially important now. Los Angeles is preparing to finance $2 billion for the Convention Center expansion, and the City’s fiscal decisions directly affect our borrowing costs. Every dollar we save through stronger fiscal management is a dollar we can put toward the basics that residents expect, like cleaner streets, safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, faster response times, and stronger City services. This budget does not solve every problem, but it moves us in the right direction and sends a clear signal that Los Angeles is taking its fiscal responsibilities and its future seriously. |
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Coffee with Katy in Pico-Robertson
This weekend, my team and I met with neighbors at Pico Cafe for an informal conversation about the issues coming up in the Pico-Robertson area. We were joined by LAPD Captain Gabaldon, Officers Pete Ojeda, James Allen, and the new Senior Lead Officer for the neighborhood, Gabe Cohen, who answered public safety questions. I’m grateful to everyone who stopped by to talk with us. These conversations help our office stay connected to what people are experiencing day-to-day, from city service concerns to quality-of-life issues that need follow-up. |
Palms Community Mural
After months of planning and community input, work is officially beginning on a new mural in Palms along the wall across from 3221 Overland Avenue. In partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Arts Bridging the Gap, and local muralist Amani Holbert, this project will turn a 20-foot-high, 150-foot-wide wall into a public art installation shaped by the neighborhood. Thank you to the residents who joined community meetings, shared ideas for the mural, and showed up to help us paint! |
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City Council Advances Revised Living Wage Ordinance
This week, the Council advanced a revised version of the City’s living wage ordinance for hotel and airport workers. As I shared last week, hotel and airport workers deserve a fair wage, and the City also has to protect the services Angelenos rely on every day. The proposed ballot measure to repeal the City’s business tax would create an estimated $860 million annual shortfall, which would lead to major service cuts and thousands of layoffs. Keeping that measure off the ballot is an important goal, but any agreement also needs to treat workers fairly.
I voted to move the revised ordinance forward because I believe it gets us closer to a workable compromise. It is not perfect, and I will keep pushing for an outcome that protects workers, prevents serious damage to the City’s budget, and allows Los Angeles to prepare responsibly for the major international events ahead. The ordinance will return to Council next week for final approval.
Council Approves Creation of New Communities Investment Department
This week, the Council approved the ordinance formally creating the new Communities Investment Department. This follows consolidation work from last year’s budget to make the City government more efficient and better coordinated. The new department brings together the Community Investment for Families Department, the Department of Aging, the Youth Development Department, and the Economic and Workforce Development Department. The goal is to streamline administration and improve coordination across programs focused on economic opportunity and social services.
Motion Introduced to Review and Modernize City Business Tax Structure
This week, I joined Councilmembers Park, Rodriguez, and McOsker in introducing a motion to create a Business Tax Advisory Committee to review Los Angeles’ business tax structure and recommend potential reforms over the next year. The City needs a business tax system that supports economic growth, keeps Los Angeles competitive, and provides stable revenue for the services residents rely on. This process will give the Council a clearer understanding of where the current structure is working, where it needs to be updated, and how reforms could better support workers, businesses, and the City’s long-term fiscal health. The motion was referred to the Rules as well as the Budget and Finance Committees for further consideration. |
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Supporting our Veterans
This week, our office conducted a CARE+ cleanup on the Westside of the district, where our team worked closely with Jerry, a veteran who had been experiencing homelessness for more than two years. Through coordination with LAHSA, Village for Vets, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Jerry was enrolled in the Emergency Housing Assistance program and placed in temporary housing while he works toward permanent placement through HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing). Jerry shared that the professionalism, empathy, and clear communication from the outreach teams helped ease his anxiety throughout the process. I’m grateful to our partners for their collaboration and glad to see Jerry moving toward permanent housing and a fresh start. |
Santa Monica Boulevard and Veteran Avenue
Our office also partnered with LAPD, Los Angeles Sanitation, LAHSA, and St. Joseph Center to address encampments on the Westside of the district. As a result, the encampment at Santa Monica Boulevard and Veteran Avenue has been cleared, and three people accepted interim housing placements with access to ongoing support services. Our team will continue coordinating with City partners to monitor the area, maintain conditions, and keep outreach consistent. |
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LA28 Procurement Series Webinar - June 2, 2026
LA28’s Community Relations team will host its next “First Fridays” webinar on Tuesday, June 2. The virtual session will include updates on preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including ticketing, volunteering, procurement, and other opportunities for local organizations and residents to stay informed. RSVP HERE.
LADWP Urges Customers to Treat Utility Workers with Respect and Kindness as They Perform Essential Functions
LADWP crews work across Los Angeles every day to maintain reliable water and power service. Their work sometimes requires access to private property to read or inspect meters, check utility equipment, verify service conditions, or start and stop service. Residents should never threaten or interfere with LADWP employees while they are doing their jobs. Threats or acts of violence toward workers are unacceptable and will be taken seriously.
If you are unsure whether someone on your property works for LADWP, ask to see official identification or call the LADWP Customer Contact Center at 1-800-DIAL-DWP to confirm.
Firefighter Story Time at Robertson Library
The Robertson Branch Library and South Robertson Neighborhood Council are hosting the 2nd Annual Firefighter Story Time and Fire Truck Tour with Captain Michael Sailhamer and firefighters from LAFD Station 58. Families are invited for storytelling, a fire truck tour, and a chance to meet local firefighters.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 26
3:15 to 3:45 p.m.
WHERE: Robertson Branch Library
1719 S. Robertson Blvd.
Volunteer for LA’s Kick It In The Park
This summer, Los Angeles will host watch parties across the city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with live match screenings, youth soccer clinics, and family-friendly programming at Recreation and Parks sites. The City is also piloting a volunteer program at select sites from June 11 to July 19, to inform plans for similar community events during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Volunteers will help greet attendees, provide wayfinding, and support activities. You can sign up for one shift or more. Learn more and apply here: kickit.lacity.gov/volunteer
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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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Katy Yaroslavsky, Councilwoman 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Unsubscribe |
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