LA Mayor’s Proposed Budget Is a 2.3 Percent ‘Reset’ Downward

Karen Bass’s $12.8 billion spending plan cuts funding for her signature homelessness program but gives the LAPD an increase.

LAPD officers watch children walk to Larchmont Charter School near a homeless encampment. Courtesy of Keith Johnson

Facing a revenue shortfall and unexpected spending needs, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a proposed $12.8 billion city budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year—a 2.3 percent decrease from this fiscal year—and planned to meet with the City Council April 23 for revisions.

The proposal includes $65 million in cuts to the mayor’s signature Inside Safe program; an increase of more than $138 million for the police department; and a decrease of about $23 million for the fire department.