Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve final changes to Los Angeles County’s Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget:
“While our $50.3 billion budget may appear substantial, the reality is that Los Angeles County is being asked to do more with less in one of the most challenging fiscal environments I have experienced in more than 35 years of County service. Significant federal funding reductions, combined with the ongoing financial obligations stemming from AB 218 settlements, have created extraordinary budget pressures that require careful stewardship of every public dollar.
Meeting these challenges demands fiscal discipline and a steadfast commitment to preserving the County’s long-term financial stability. That means making responsible spending decisions, protecting our reserves, and maintaining the strong credit profile that allows us to finance critical infrastructure and support the workforce that delivers essential public services.
Although this budget includes the deletion of more than 200 vacant positions, I supported it because it reflects priorities that matter most to my constituents: funding nearly 44,000 beds that help keep homeless and at-risk individuals off our streets, investing in substance abuse treatment programs, and preserving the safety net services that vulnerable individuals and families rely on every day.
The year ahead will require tough decisions and continued vigilance, but I remain committed to ensuring Los Angeles County lives within its means while protecting core services and investing in the communities we serve.”