Los Angeles Council votes on reallocating funds to LAHSA for interim housing

The Los Angeles City Council held a budget hearing on May 16, 2025, focusing on the allocation of funds and the management of city resources. A significant discussion centered around the reallocation of approximately $13 million from the Unappropriated Balance (UB) back to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) for non-Alliance beds. Councilwoman Hernandez expressed concerns regarding the efficiency of contract processing and the need for quicker access to these funds. She clarified that the funds being moved were not new money but rather existing resources aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Despite the intent to streamline funding access, the motion to reallocate the funds faced opposition. Council members Garavislavski, Blumenfield, and McCosker voted against the motion, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oversight on interim housing spending. They argued that keeping the funds in the UB would allow for better control and potential adjustments in future financial reports. Ultimately, the motion failed to pass.

The meeting also addressed the request for a senior project coordinator position within the Innovation and Performance Commission. Council members discussed the potential for using existing funds to support this role, which aims to enhance efficiency and innovation within city departments. The council voted in favor of restoring the position, with funding sourced from unspent budget allocations.

Additionally, the council instructed the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) to report on city programs that could be administered by other jurisdictions, such as the county or school boards. This initiative aims to identify opportunities for cost savings and improve resource management across various city services.

The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to optimize budget allocations and enhance the effectiveness of city programs, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing pressing community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.