This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
Villaraigosa Takes Swift Action to Save City Budget, Orders Elimination of 1,000 Jobs
After the L.A. City Council failed to close a $212 million budget shortfall during a marathon-length meeting yesterday, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took action, directing the elimination of 1,000 positions among other moves. "If we have to choose between funding firefighters and police officers or continuing to operate golf courses and parking meters across Los Angeles, I choose public safety and I will do everything possible to protect those priorities," he said.
Some 360 of the 1,000 employees could be moved to other departments not affected by the budget crisis. That's because the LADWP, Airports and Port of Los Angeles are not under the general budget, which pays for basic services, according to the LA Times.
“We’re living beyond our means, we have difficult choices to make, we must protect our economic future,” Villaraigosa said. “Unfortunately, instead of making progress, we are headed in the wrong direction. That ends today.”
The Mayor's three-page memo to Department heads is above.
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 from readers like you 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 from readers like you 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
