City Council approves phased Civic Center security upgrades after debate over costs, access

The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 23 approved a phased plan to upgrade security at City Hall and the Civic Center, backing a joint Information Technology and General Services (ITGS) committee report that combines new technology and personnel measures. Councilmember Ridley-Thomas moved the report; it passed as amended, 9 ayes, 4 noes.

Councilmember Ridley-Thomas said the project should be viewed as incremental: "this is yet, but another phase... to make sure that the personnel that is to be put in place, as well as, the range of things that need to be done to make sure that there's a security in this building is what it ought to be." The council debate followed weeks of committee work and public safety concerns raised after recent national events.

Why it matters: Councilmembers split over the pace, scope and price of upgrades for a cluster of municipal buildings that the meeting’s proponents described as central to city operations. Supporters said investments would protect emergency operations and city services; opponents warned the upgrades could divert scarce funds from other public-safety priorities citywide.

Most important facts: The General Services…