PHOTO CREDIT : Photo by Karen Bass For Mayor, Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
LOS ANGELES — Facing a projected $1 billion budget deficit, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced that she will take a personal pay cut as part of a sweeping fiscal plan that includes thousands of job eliminations and suspended staff raises.
The mayor’s move comes alongside a proposed $13.9 billion city budget for fiscal year 2025–2026, which eliminates more than 2,700 city positions — including 1,647 layoffs and the removal of 1,053 vacant roles. Departments such as the Los Angeles Police Department, city sanitation, transportation, and planning will feel the brunt of these cuts.
Although the exact amount of Mayor Bass’ salary reduction has not been disclosed, her current annual salary stands at approximately $301,000. In addition to her personal pay cut, she has canceled three scheduled cost-of-living raises for her staff: a 4% increase set for June 2025, another 2% in December 2025, and a final 4% in June 2026.
Despite the austerity measures, the proposed budget for the mayor’s office will rise from $10.1 million to $10.7 million. The administration insists this reflects overall savings, noting that canceling the raises equates to a 10% reduction compared to projected expenditures had the raises proceeded.
“We must lead by example during these difficult times,” Mayor Bass said, adding that the city is also seeking financial assistance from the state to lessen the impact of the cuts on services and personnel.
The budget plan is currently under review by the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee, with a final decision expected by June 1. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.
