City Hall Divided Over LAPD Hiring and Fiscal Oversight

Los Angeles is facing renewed tension between the Mayor and City Council after reports revealed that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is hiring more officers than its budget allows.

The debate underscores a critical question for policymakers — how to maintain public safety while respecting the City’s fiscal and governance processes.

What You Need to Know

According to a recent Los Angeles Times report, the LAPD is on track to hire approximately 410 officers by summer 2026, despite the City Council approving funding for only 240 recruits this fiscal year.

Councilmembers learned that the department could exceed its allocation by 170 unfunded positions, prompting frustration among budget leaders who warned that “the budget has to mean something.”

In May, the City Council halved Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed hiring goal to address a $1 billion budget deficit.

Mayor Bass, however, argued that maintaining staffing levels closer to 10,000 sworn officers is essential to sustain recent reductions in crime and to prepare for major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite those efforts, the Mayor and Council remain at an impasse.

Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Katy Yaroslavsky have cautioned that any hiring beyond the approved budget could force cuts elsewhere in City operations.

Meanwhile, the Mayor’s office has said it is continuing to look for funding to support the additional hires.

How It Impacts You

For property managers and commercial real estate professionals, public safety is not just a public service — it’s an operational necessity.

Adequate police staffing directly affects business districts, tenants, and visitors who depend on safe environments to live, work, and invest.

During meetings with Council offices and citywide officials, we have urged leaders to prioritize public safety while ensuring responsible financial oversight.

Through coalition efforts with business, civic, and public safety partners — we are working to ensure that both fiscal integrity and community safety are upheld.

Stay Connected

BOMA/GLA will continue to monitor developments on BOMA on the Frontline and advocate for policies that keep Los Angeles safe, accountable, and economically vibrant.

Join our Government Affairs Committee to stay engaged as the City prepares for the 2026 budget and debates the future of LAPD staffing.