By Los Angeles County Politics
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (R, Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, San Marino, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, portions of the San Gabriel Valley) joined her colleagues in a unanimous vote yesterday to adopt a $50.3 billion final budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The $50.3 billion figure is a $1.5 billion increase over the current budget and represents a $2.4 billion increase over the initial $47.9 billion proposal presented in April. The budget funds 115,683 positions, down from 115,885 — a net decrease of 202. Estimated tax revenue remained unchanged, and Nicchitta said there is no new local money in the final changes.
“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,” said Barger. “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.”
Looming over the process is the county’s $4.8 billion obligation under Assembly Bill 218, the 2020 law that lifted the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse claims — described as the largest such settlement in American history, with payments required through 2030 and debt service extending to 2050-51. More than 6,000 claims remain unsettled, with roughly 150 arriving per month.
The budget deletes more than 200 vacant positions while funding nearly 44,000 beds aimed at keeping homeless and at-risk individuals off county streets and continuing investment in substance abuse treatment — priorities Barger said were central to her support.
“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,” said Barger, “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.”
LA County Chief Executive Officer Joseph Nicchitta called yesterday’s vote the close of phase two of a three-phase process. A supplemental budget is set for adoption September 29, incorporating the state’s final budget, year-end fund balance adjustments, and new spending tied to Measure ER.
“The year ahead will require tough decisions and continued vigilance,” said Barger, “but I remain committed to ensuring Los Angeles County lives within its means while protecting core services and investing in the communities we serve.”
