City Council Requests Further Analysis of Street Safety Measure's Financial Impact on Municipal Budget
The City Council has instructed its staff to conduct a more comprehensive financial analysis of how a street safety measure on the March ballot would affect the city's budget and existing programs. The measure, called Healthy Streets LA, is a resident-led initiative that mandates the installation of street modifications outlined in the city's Mobility Plan 2035 whenever road improvements are made to at least one-eighth of a mile.
The council received an updated report from Matt Szabo, the city's administrative officer, regarding the implementation costs associated with the measure. Szabo revealed that the estimated cost of implementing the measure over 10 years would amount to $3.1 billion, which is $600 million higher than his initial estimate in November 2023. He also stated that if the measure is approved by voters, it would take effect approximately five weeks after the election.
However, some council members criticized the report, claiming that it lacked accurate financial analysis and failed to provide a complete understanding of the measure's implications for the city. Councilman Bob Blumenfield, chair of the council's Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee, expressed concerns about the cost estimates and emphasized the significant impact of traffic violence, citing economic losses and the value of human life.
Szabo mentioned that the measure does not provide any additional financial resources to the city for implementing the plan, indicating that existing funding would have to be used. The estimated costs outlined in the report include $670 million for the bike lane network, $420 million for the bicycle enhanced network, and $2 billion for sidewalk repairs.
Streets for All, the organization behind the ballot measure, disputed the figures provided by the city's Administrative Officer, arguing that it would actually cost $286 million over 10 years to implement pedestrian enhanced districts and bike networks. Blumenfield pointed out that the city is already legally obligated to make certain street modifications as outlined in the mobility plan, particularly those related to ADA requirements.
Concerns were also raised about the existing backlog of sidewalk repairs, which is estimated to cost nearly $900 million to eliminate over five years. Councilwoman Traci Park and others scrutinized the measure for its potential negative impact on the city's Pavement Preservation Program and other services. Councilwoman Imelda Padilla highlighted the need for better coordination of grant work.
Council members Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez expressed frustration with the report, emphasizing the importance of investing in safer streets. Council President Paul Krekorian and others voiced concerns about the measure's potential effects on funding and infrastructure projects. Councilwoman Nithya Raman suggested differentiating between existing obligations and those introduced by the mobility plan in order to facilitate clearer discussions.
The City Council has requested further analysis of the financial implications of the street safety measure in order to make a more informed decision.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst: The further financial analysis of the street safety measure will provide a clearer understanding of its impact on the municipal budget and existing programs. Concerns over the estimated costs and potential negative effects on funding and infrastructure projects have been raised. The city may need to use existing funding to implement the plan, and there are concerns about the backlog of sidewalk repairs. Discussions on clarifying existing obligations and prioritizing investments in safer streets are expected.
