Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Now 4,000 City Hall Jobs are Threatened
Detail of City Hall | Photo by polaroid-girl via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
In addition to the 1,000 city worker layoffs already being discussed, the Los Angeles City Council today took action to add 3,000 more workers to that list after a financial firm yesterday downgraded the city's financial outlook from "stable" to "negative," according to the LA Times. The city is facing a $212-million deficit and a $484 one next fiscal year beginning in July.
“They clearly got the message,” Mayor Villaraigosa's Deputy Chief of Staff Matt Szabo told the paper. “This is entirely consistent with what he’s said for weeks. The mayor’s been saying we need to downsize city government and live within our means. The council took action today to achieve that goal.”
This round of layoffs will affect police and firefighters, something Villaraigosa is opposed to. City budget staff must come back in 20 days with a list of identified positions, which would be cut by July 1st.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
