It has been 861 days since Karen Bass assumed the office of Los Angeles mayor, and the former California representative has faced several challenges since. Homelessness, major wildfires, and political upheaval are just the tip of the iceberg.
On Monday, Bass offered her assessment of where L.A. stands during her annual State of the City address. She also released her proposed budget for the next fiscal year.
Bass focused on L.A. wildfire recovery efforts and how the city will navigate budget constraints. Specifically, she discussed recent rebuilding efforts in the Pacific Palisades.
“So let me just tell you we have issued permits to rebuild twice as fast as after the Camp and Wooley fires. We restored water nearly a year and a half faster than after the Camp fire. We restored power in just two months. Los Angeles, I assure you that rebuilding is underway,” Bass said.
She also proposed new action items to expedite rebuilding. One to establish a self-certification program for permits and another to launch A.I. initiatives to accelerate the permit process. She also called on the City Council to pass an ordinance that would waive permit fees.
At the same time, Bass must deal with a staggering budget deficit. It comes as a result of overspending, labor contracts, liability pay-outs, and tax revenues being lower than anticipated.
Bass’s current proposed budget calls for laying off over 1,500 city workers, consolidating four departments, and eliminating the city’s Health Commission. She said she is still seeking alternatives to layoffs.
“My proposed budget, unfortunately, includes layoffs, which is a decision of absolute last resort. The city attorney and I will be in Sacramento this week to meet with legislative leaders and advocate for resources, while also working to manage the increasing liabilities,” Bass said. “So let me assure our hardworking public servants that I will never, ever stop fighting for you.”
The city’s ongoing homelessness crisis also came into question. Bass said she wants to create more long-term interim housing options.
Once finalized, the mayor’s proposed budget will go to the City Council for a vote.
2025 will be a pivotal year for Mayor Bass, who is running for re-election in 2026. Next year’s election promises to be a referendum on how she does her job this year.