Los Angeles adopts 2026-27 budget with 510 police hires, higher reserves

Los Angeles has locked in its FY 2026-27 city budget after the City Council approved a revised plan on May 22 and Mayor Karen Bass signed it on May 28. The final spending plan keeps the city’s 510-officer LAPD hiring goal, preserves Inside Safe and related homelessness services, and continues money for street, sidewalk, and streetlight work.

The biggest change from the earlier proposal is a larger financial cushion. Council revisions increased the city’s reserve protection, giving leaders more room to absorb shortfalls and keep basic services moving if revenue slips.

For residents, the budget is less about instant changes than about what departments can do over the next year. The police hiring plan will roll out gradually, homelessness outreach and interim housing programs stay funded, and infrastructure repairs should remain part of the city’s daily operating work.

The budget also signals where City Hall wants to focus next: public safety staffing, homelessness response, and maintenance that affects how neighborhoods look and function day to day.

Sources

• Office of Mayor Karen Bass — FY 2026-27 budget signing release
• Los Angeles City Council District 5 — revised FY 2026-27 budget approval release
• Los Angeles Times — council backs budget and 510-officer hiring plan