L.A. Council approves $15 billion budget, clearing the way to hire 510 police officers

The Los Angeles City Council approved a $15 billion budget for 2026-27 with a 12-1 vote, preserving Mayor Karen Bass’s police hiring plan. The plan funds hiring 510 Los Angeles Police Department officers to offset resignations and retirements, bringing the department to 8,555 officers by June 2027, down from about 10,000 in 2020. Councilmember Traci Park cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the budget provides too little funding for the Fire Department and reduces homeless encampment cleanups in her district. Park linked the plan to slower emergency response and reduced cleanliness and criticized City Hall for under-investing in basic services. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez defended the budget, citing funding for sidewalk repairs, tree trimming, unarmed crisis response teams, and the safe parking program. The mayor and council plan a second look at firefighter staffing after the Nov. 3 election tied to a sales tax hike for fire operations.

"The council voted 12-1 to approve Bass's spending plan, which called for the hiring of 510 Los Angeles Police Department officers to offset resignations and retirements. By June 2027, the department is expected to have 8,555 officers, down from about 10,000 in 2020."

"Councilmember Traci Park cast the lone opposing vote, saying the budget shortchanges the Fire Department and cuts the number of homeless encampment cleanups in her district, which stretches from Los Angeles International Airport north to Pacific Palisades."

""This budget asks Angelenos to accept slower emergency response, dirtier beaches and more failed homelessness spending - all while City Hall continues to under-invest in the basic services people count on to keep them safe," said Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades, where thousands of homes were destroyed in the 2025 Palisades fire."

"Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez defended the spending plan, saying it provides much needed funds for sidewalk repairs, tree trimming, unarmed crisis response teams and the "safe parking" program, which sets aside spaces and services for homeless people living in their vehicles."

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