LA City Budget Hearings Begin

Starting this afternoon, the Budget and Finance Committee will hold hearings to review, modify and finalize the city’s proposed $8.5 billion fiscal year 2015-2016 budget. Over the next two weeks, the committee will talk to the leaders of city departments and take comments from the general public.

As the city’s Budget Chair, my goal is to adopt a strong budget that is fiscally responsible and shows our commitment to public safety and neighborhood services. We had some difficult years during the economic recession when our budget deficit ballooned and we were even threatened with bankruptcy. We’re no longer on the precipice, but there is still much work to be done. I want to make sure Los Angeles is as safe and financially secure as it can be.

I invite you to join me throughout the course of these hearings. If you can’t make it to City Hall, but would like to tune in from home, all the meetings will be broadcast live on Channel 35 and can be streamed live or on-demand at  lacity.org. You can also listen-in by calling 213.621.2489 or 818.904.9450 via “Council Phone” or by following live updates on twitter.com/paulkrekorian (@paulkrekorian).

The schedule for our first week of hearings is below. For the complete schedule, visit bit.ly/1POll8q.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 1:00 P.M.                                  

• Discussion of Committee Procedures
• Presentation of the Proposed Budget by the Mayor’s Office
• Overview of the Proposed Budget by the City Administrative Officer (CAO)
• Revenue Overview
• General Managers to answer questions on the following budgets, CAO comments follow:
  • Office of Finance/Treasurer
  • Library
  • Recreation and Parks
  • Department of Transportation
• Public Comment

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1:00 P.M.                     

• As needed budget discussions and instructions to staff
• General Managers to answer questions on the following budgets, CAO comments follow:
  • Fire
  • City Attorney
  • Bureau of Sanitation
  • Bureau of Street Services
  • Bureau of Engineering
• Public Comment

THURSDAY, APRIL 30                   

9:00 A.M.                          

• As needed budget discussions and instructions to staff
• General Managers to answer questions on the following budgets, CAO comments follow:
  • City Controller
  • LA Zoo
  • Department on Disability
  • Personnel (includes Human Resources Benefits)
  • City Ethics Commission
  • City Clerk
  • General Services

1:00 P.M.

• Police
• Planning Department
• Building and Safety
• Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System
• Fire and Police Pensions Department
• Information Technology Agency
• Animal Services
• Cultural Affairs
• Public Comment

FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1:00 P.M.                                          

• As needed budget discussions and instructions to staff
• General Managers to answer questions on the following budgets, CAO comments follow.
  • El Pueblo
  • Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
  • Department of Aging
  • Emergency Management Department
  • Board of Public Works
  • Bureau of Street Lighting
  • Bureau of Contract Administration
  • Economic and Workforce Development Department
  • Housing and Community Investment Department
  • LA Convention Center
• Public Comment

For more information, contact me at 213.473.7002 or [email protected].