The ‘Save Our Services’ campaign has emerged across Los Angeles’ Westside, drawing attention to the city’s $1 billion budget deficit. The campaign warns of potential cuts to essential services like trash pickup, public safety, and emergency response. The Save Our Services Coalition, comprising labor, housing, business, and civic organizations, claims that overspending, lower-than-expected tax revenues, and wildfire recovery costs have plunged Los Angeles into a severe economic crisis.
According to the coalition, the city plans to lay off over 600 workers, which could directly impact core services. The Los Angeles City Council recently approved a $14 billion budget for 2025-26, which scaled back Mayor Karen Bass’ public safety initiatives in an attempt to avoid 1,000 city worker layoffs. The council’s budget reduces funding for recruitment at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), leaving the agency with fewer officers than at any point since 1995. The council authorized the LAPD to hire 240 new officers, down from the 480 proposed by Mayor Bass.
The council also reduced the number of new hires for the Los Angeles Fire Department, funding only 58 additional employees instead of the 227 proposed by the mayor. These reductions have sparked concern among some council members, who argue that the budget makes the city less safe. Councilmember Traci Park, whose district includes Pacific Palisades, expressed alarm over the cuts, especially in the wake of recent wildfires.
Despite these budgetary constraints, the council has taken steps to balance the city’s finances by tapping into the budget stabilization fund, increasing business tax revenue, and hiking parking ticket costs. However, the potential for hundreds of layoffs remains, with a significant portion affecting the LAPD.
The Save Our Services campaign aims to rally public support to address the budget crisis and prevent further cuts to essential services. As the city grapples with its financial challenges, the coalition continues to advocate for solutions that preserve vital services for Los Angeles residents.
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