Mayor Karen Bass’s proposed City Budget for 2025–26 includes major cuts to the Department of City Planning and Office of Historic Resources (OHR), reducing protections for historic places and increasing the time and costs for permitting and approval.  

These cuts – representing a 29% reduction – would eliminate critical staff reducing the size of the OHR to just 12 staff. At stake are 3 Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) planners, a dedicated planner to maintain HistoricPlacesLA - ending a 15-year partnership with the Getty - and one administrative position.  

These roles are vital to protecting historic places across Los Angeles. Without them, reviews will slow, protections will weaken, and treasured places could be lost. Please read the letter submitted by the Conservancy to learn more about our position. 

Although the Budget and Finance Committee began hearings, there’s still time to share your input while deliberations continue. 

How You Can Help:
- Watch upcoming meetings: clerk.lacity.org/calendar
- Submit a public comment: Public Comment Form
- Email the Budget Committee—especially if you live in an HPOZ, National Register District or Historic-Cultural Monument: City Council Directory 

Your voice can help restore critical preservation staff in the final City budget.

Learn More: https://www.laconservancy.org/save-places/issues/l-a-mayors-2025-26-proposed-budget