City officials face public backlash over proposed budget cuts to vital services

Los Angeles City officials are facing mounting pressure to reconsider proposed budget cuts that threaten critical public services and community safety. During the budget hearings held on April 25, 2025, various stakeholders voiced their concerns over significant layoffs and funding reductions that could hinder essential programs.

Transportation planners from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) highlighted that proposed cuts would severely impact the city's ability to maintain and improve street safety. Lauren Ballard, a supervising transportation planner, warned that layoffs would delay vital projects aimed at creating safer streets, ultimately risking lives. The cuts could also jeopardize compliance with Measure HLA, which mandates street improvements, leading to potential litigation that could further strain the city’s budget.

In addition to transportation concerns, advocates for domestic violence survivors urged the council to restore funding to critical services. Maria Berhona, chief program officer at Haven Hills, emphasized that a proposed $3.8 million reduction in the survivor services program would lead to fewer resources for those escaping violence, increasing the risk of homelessness among vulnerable populations.

The proposed budget also drew criticism for its impact on senior services. Leticia, executive director of the Vicks Bernardi Senior Center, expressed alarm over cuts to the Department of Aging, which could leave many seniors without essential support for meals, transportation, and health management.

Critics of the budget, including community members and advocates, argued that the proposed cuts reflect a troubling trend of prioritizing public safety funding while neglecting other vital services. Erica Fiorenza, a resident, condemned the budget for its potential to lay off thousands of city employees and eliminate departments that serve youth and the elderly, calling it a "gutting of public services."

As the city grapples with rising liabilities and budget constraints, the council is urged to reconsider these cuts and prioritize funding for essential services that support the most vulnerable residents. The discussions from the budget hearings underscore the urgent need for a balanced approach that ensures public safety while maintaining critical community services.