Posts tagged budget shortfall
Mayor Bass signs agreement to avert layoffs of LA municipal employees
September 25, 2025 // In April, the mayor had proposed more than 1,600 layoffs as part of an effort to eliminate a nearly $1 billion budget deficit caused by overspending, skyrocketing liability payouts, lower-than-expected tax revenues, and a weakening economy, among other challenges. The number of layoffs was later reduced to 600 after budget maneuvering by the City Council. The heads of city departments were able to fill vacancies with current employees. The city got creative in shuffling city employees around .
‘We’re gonna fight for our members’: Unions respond to Oakland layoffs
February 3, 2025 // This week’s layoffs are the latest in several steps Oakland has already taken in an attempt to emerge from its financial crisis. The city has also slashed OPD overtime spending, temporarily closed fire stations, and cut the arts budget, while credit ratings agencies have put the city on notice that it faces a potential ratings downgrade. Layoffs were discussed last year and not unexpected, said Blue, but she assumed the city would give advance notice so unions could negotiate with management. City officials have previously said they’d do whatever they could to avoid axing front-line staff.