LA Mayor Bass proposes $13.95 billion budget, 1,600 layoffs

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proposed a $13.95 billion budget for the coming fiscal year that includes laying off approximately 1,600 city workers—about 5% of the workforce—to close a nearly $1 billion deficit, marking the city's most austere budget since the 2008 recession. The layoffs, which Bass described as a 'decision of absolute last resort,' would not affect sworn police or fire personnel and may be mitigated by ongoing negotiations with labor unions and a push for state financial assistance. In her State of the City address, Bass highlighted positive trends such as decreases in homelessness and crime, but stressed the need for a fundamental overhaul of city government and more efficient service delivery. The proposed budget also calls for eliminating vacant positions, consolidating departments, and eliminating several commissions to find further savings. Labor unions have voiced strong opposition, warning that layoffs would harm frontline services, while Bass remains optimistic about securing state aid to reduce the impact. The City Council must still approve the budget proposal, and the mayor is actively lobbying state officials for relief.