Mayor Karen Bass is scheduled to outline her top priorities on Monday as Los Angeles continues to work to recover wildfires, as she navigates budget constraints and other external pressures.
Base is expected to speak at the noon council’s chamber of commerce at City Hall. The mayor will primarily focus on the Pacific Pallisad, which was devastated by the wildfires of January, and may discuss the city’s reconstruction efforts. Additionally, she shares plans to reshape city government as LA faces a deficit of nearly $1 billion, as a result of overexpenditures, liability payments, labor contracts and lower than planned tax revenues.
City officials warn that the deficit could lead to thousands of layoffs and other outcomes in fiscal year 2025-26.
With the recent decision to move funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency (LAHSA) at both city and county levels, Bass and the city council may also consider adjusting their approach to solving the homelessness crisis.
The County Board of Supervisors has advanced proposals to establish its own division to manage homeless services in the area. This effectively repays LAHSA, a joint city county agency that has been criticised for its inefficiency, waste, and lack of transparency. Lahsa officials said the agency has grown rapidly in recent years and has since taken steps to address these issues.
The new county agency is expected to be introduced by January 1st, with all funds being withdrawn from Lahasa and transferred to the new department by July 1st, 2026.
Meanwhile, city officials have expressed the need to hire more police officers to improve public safety and prepare for global events that will come to the LA area. In March, Bass joined police chief Jim McDonnell and announced that in 2024 the city’s overall crime rate dropped, with murders falling by 14% and shooting casualties fell by 19%.
Immigration could also be addressed as the Trump administration continues to crack down on “sanctuary cities” and threatens to withdraw related funds.
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