Tuesday, December 31, 2024

County Supervisor Barger Highlights $45.6 Billion in County Investments for 2024, “Year of Progress”

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger via Facebook

Transportation and housing initiatives lead year’s accomplishments in the Fifth District

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena, concluded 2024 by showcasing major investments in transportation, housing, and community development across the Fifth District.

After winning reelection to her third term in the March primaries, Barger managed the nation’s largest County budget of $45.6 billion with a focus on fiscal responsibility and prudence while spearheading critical infrastructure projects and homeless initiatives.

“Without a doubt, 2024 has been a remarkable year of progress,” said Barger. “From supporting our most vulnerable to driving forward regional infrastructure projects that boost economic growth, I’m honored to continue serving the Fifth District and working to ensure a brighter future for all residents.”

Transportation initiatives dominated Barger’s agenda, securing $798 million to complete Metro’s A-Line extension from Pomona to Montclair.

She also negotiated a groundbreaking Community Workforce Agreement with 16 unions for the High Desert Corridor High-Speed Rail Project, projected to generate $12 billion in economic activity.

Barger joined efforts to invest $65.1 million to improve safety, access control, and customer experiences on Metro systems.

Additionally, she directed $500,000 in discretionary funding toward a new Center for Transportation Technology Excellence, a 2-million-square-foot facility expected to generate $11.5 billion in economic returns and create over 114,300 direct and indirect jobs.

The Supervisor prioritized homelessness initiatives, with Pathway Home operations in Duarte/Monrovia, Palmdale, and Lancaster helping transition 243 people to interim housing. In July 2024, Bridge to Home opened its permanent shelter and service center in Santa Clarita for 69 individuals, which will also serve families experiencing homelessness.

Barger provided a $500,000 matching grant to Family Promise’s Williams Hope House in Newhall for families in need. Veteran housing efforts resulted in 36 families receiving homes in Palmdale through Homes 4 Families, with 20 more units planned.

Community engagement remained central to Barger’s work, hosting 277 community events and 484 stakeholder meetings throughout the year.

Her office provided assistance to 851 veterans through the San Dimas Field Office and helped facilitate 18,580 pet adoptions from County animal shelters.

Her annual Foster Youth Holiday Party at Six Flags Magic Mountain drew over 500 foster youth and families for a day of joy, gifts, and rollercoasters. She celebrated local sports excellence by honoring California Interscholastic Federation championship-winning girls’ high school teams in the Antelope Valley.

“Looking ahead to 2025, I remain committed to leading with integrity and vision,” Barger reflected. “Los Angeles County must be a place where families feel safe and thrive, businesses grow, and communities flourish. The strong partnerships I’ve created and continue to cultivate will help us tackle challenges and seize opportunities to make Los Angeles County shine. No one person can do that alone — but it’s possible, through the power of partnerships.”