City Council debates budget impacts on cannabis regulation and enforcement in Los Angeles

In a pivotal budget hearing on May 2, 2025, Los Angeles City officials grappled with significant cuts to the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) and the Department of City Planning (DCP), raising alarms about the potential impacts on public safety, housing development, and community services.

The DBS is facing a staggering 50% reduction in its vacant building abatement team, which could lead to an increase in unmonitored vacant properties and a decline in public safety. Councilmember McCosker highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the department currently has 591 open cases and that cuts would severely limit their ability to respond to complaints and enforce safety regulations. “We will not be able to monitor these buildings as we are supposed to,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the DCP is set to lose 35 positions, which could jeopardize ongoing housing projects and community planning efforts. Director Vince Bertone emphasized that these cuts would delay critical housing developments and could expose the city to legal liabilities under state housing laws. “The budget could have several outcomes, including eliminating revenue-generating project planning positions,” he stated, underscoring the potential for millions in fines if the city fails to meet mandated project review timelines.

The discussions also touched on the need for a comprehensive review of the city’s code enforcement processes, with calls for a consultant to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Councilmembers expressed frustration over the lengthy and complex permitting processes that hinder development and community engagement.

In a related discussion, the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) reported on its efforts to transition businesses from provisional to annual licenses, while also addressing the challenges posed by illegal cannabis operations. The DCR is seeking to amend land use regulations to facilitate easier compliance for legal businesses, which could help them compete against the underground market.

As the city navigates these budgetary challenges, officials are calling for a collaborative approach to find solutions that prioritize public safety, housing development, and community engagement. The anticipated outcomes of these budget cuts could have lasting effects on Los Angeles, making it imperative for city leaders to act swiftly and decisively.