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Wednesday, July 30, 2025

LA County Board to Receive Weekly Budget Updates Amid Fiscal Crisis

New standing agenda item aims to boost transparency as county faces multi-billion-dollar pressures

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will begin receiving weekly budget updates during regular meetings as the county grapples with severe fiscal challenges.

Board Chair Kathryn Barger announced the new standing agenda item Tuesday. Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport will deliver the weekly reports.

The updates will provide real-time information about the county’s financial condition and will also address the impacts of potential spending cuts.

“Understanding the County’s financial standing in real time is critical for us to make responsible, informed decisions,” Barger said.

The supervisor said the weekly briefings would keep both board members and the public informed about fiscal realities. She emphasized the county’s commitment to transparency during difficult financial times.

Los Angeles County faces multi-billion-dollar budget pressures from several sources. Recovery costs from January wildfires have exceeded $1 billion. The county also faces a $4 billion AB 218 settlement.

Additional challenges include potential federal funding cuts and slower property tax growth. Labor contract negotiations add another layer of financial complexity.

During Tuesday’s presentation, Davenport outlined mounting losses across multiple departments. The Department of Health Services, Department of Public Social Services and Department of Mental Health are among those experiencing significant budget impacts.

The CEO warned that departments cannot absorb these financial hits without intervention. She said planning must begin for potential curtailments.

Possible measures include layoffs, hiring freezes and program reductions. The county has not yet implemented specific cuts.

The presentation from Tuesday’s board meeting is available through a Google Drive link provided by the county.

The weekly budget updates represent an effort to maintain transparency as county officials navigate the challenging fiscal environment.

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