Mayor Bass and the Budget: What, Me Worry?

LA WATCHDOG - The most significant issue facing the City is its fiscal crisis. In June, the City Council declared a State of Emergency based on fiscal circumstances resulting from decreased revenue, increased liabilities, and budget busting labor agreements. Over the next four years, the Structural Deficit is expected to exceed $600 million when adjusted for new unfunded and unsustainable labor agreements beginning in 2027. The City also has deferred maintenance of over $10 billion and no plan to address this issue.  

The City’s fiscal crisis is not a priority for Mayor Bass. In a recent email supporting her race for reelection, she asked top supporters to complete a Priorities Survey to understand which issues are top of mind. She then listed eleven issues. 

• Immigration Protections
• Standing Up to the Trump Administration
• Fire Recovery
• Homelessness
• Public Safety and Crime Prevention
• Cost of Living
• Public Transportation
• Business Growth
• Climate and Sustainability
• Affordable Housing
• Defending Our Democracy 

While all of these are issues that need attention, and some more than others, addressing the City’s budget and fiscal issues did not even make the list. 

Hello! Earth to Karen. 

The fiscal crisis and the need for meaningful reform was not even an issue that she instructed the Charter Reform Commission to consider. Fortunately, the Neighborhood Council Budget Advocates made it an issue for the Commission. More later. 

NOW it is time for the Mayor and the City Council, with the assistance of the City Administrative Officer and the Chief Legislative Analyst, to develop recommendations for budget and fiscal charter reform to be shared with Angelenos, rather than hiding behind the politically appointed Charter Reform Committee. These recommendations will increase transparency by putting City Hall on the record and will give the Commission guidance before it submits its final recommendations to the City Council for its review, analysis, and approval.

(Jack Humphreville writes the LA Watchdog column for CityWatch, where he covers city finances, utilities, and accountability at City Hall. He is President of the DWP Advocacy Committee, serves as the Budget and DWP representative for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, and is a longtime Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate. With a sharp focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency, Jack brings an informed and independent voice to Los Angeles civic affairs. He can be reached at [email protected].)