City Budget News

I am happy to announce that we’re closer to our goal of saving park ranger and park maintenance jobs; keeping library doors open and their shelves stocked; maintaining funding levels for re-paving streets and sidewalks and enforcing illegal sign and newsrack ordinances. I want to send special thanks to Councilmember Bernard Parks, chair of the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee, and committee members Wendy Greuel, Jose Huizar, Bill Rosendahl and Greig Smith for making this happen.

Because of a national economic downturn, the City of Los Angeles faces declining revenues. Mayor Villaraigosa's budget proposal to the City Council, therefore, included many cuts in personnel and services. The City Council worked to identify $97 million in revenue above the funds accounted for in the Mayor’s proposed budget, and some core services and positions have been proposed for restoration by the Council committee.

During the Committee's budget hearings, I fought for restoration of the following budget items and was joined by a strong voice from the community:

● Sidewalk improvements (restoration of the 50/50 program)

● Funding for illegal sign enforcement and newsrack inspectors

● $3.2 million for the Department of Recreation and Parks rangers and maintenance AND

● Library Sunday hours and $1.5 million for additional materials

Each item has been restored in the Committee’s proposed budget.

The full Council begins its budget deliberations on Monday, May 19th at 9 a.m.

Thank you for staying in touch with me throughout this important process so that I could make sure your voices were heard.