LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
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.