The special meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee took place on September 9, 2025, focusing on critical discussions regarding the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center and its financial implications.

The meeting began with public comments highlighting serious concerns about the city’s financial management. One speaker emphasized a significant dysfunction within the department, urging the committee to address the underlying issues rather than misallocate city funds. This sentiment underscored a growing alarm regarding the city’s fiscal health.

Makela Gibson, representing Baica, addressed the delays in the Convention Center expansion project, which has been stalled for years. She pointed out that rising construction labor costs are not unique to Los Angeles, and further delays could hinder the city’s competitiveness against other major cities like Orlando and Las Vegas. Gibson argued that the expansion is crucial for generating revenue and creating jobs, warning that each delay could cost the city an additional million dollars.

Tom Davis from California ITC echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of the project for middle-class jobs in the city. He urged the committee to consider the long-term benefits of moving forward with the expansion, as further delays would only increase costs.

Ronnie Valentine, representing Local 33, also spoke in favor of the expansion, noting the interest from major events like the auto show and Comic-Con to come to Los Angeles. His comments reinforced the urgency of the project in attracting significant events to the city.

Following public comments, the committee moved to discuss agenda items one and two. The first item involved a report from the city’s administrative chief regarding the final direction of the Convention Center expansion project, which is evaluated in an environmental impact report. The second item addressed the authorization for the issuance and sale of lease revenue bonds related to the Convention Center.

The meeting concluded with a clear indication of the committee's intent to move forward with the discussions surrounding the Convention Center expansion, reflecting a commitment to addressing both the financial and infrastructural needs of Los Angeles. The next steps will involve further deliberations on the proposed financial measures to support the project.