Budget committee hears LAX revenue pressures, requests to restore jobs at animal services and zoo

The Los Angeles City Council Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee met May 6 to review the mayor’s proposed 2025–26 city budget and hear departmental requests for restorations and clarifying memoranda.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) told the committee the airport enterprise remains legally separate from the city’s general fund and faces lower passenger forecasts that are reducing discretionary revenue available for businesses that operate at LAX. LAWA representatives said operating revenues are roughly $1.29 billion and that passenger volumes remain below 2019 levels; airport staff urged coordination with other city departments to reduce costs and speed project delivery where airport work intersects city permitting and hiring processes.

The Department of Animal Services asked the committee to restore vacant and filled positions that the mayor’s proposal would eliminate. Interim General Manager Janet Ramírez told the committee restoring five vacant positions and one filled accounting position would cost about $684,000 and said the department is also asking for funds to maintain minimum care standards, cover contractor costs for repairs and veterinary services, and support volunteer programs. Animal Services warned that cuts would reduce enrichments for dogs and could increase behavioral issues and bites, and it described partnerships with community organizations at two shelters where…