In a recent budget hearing held on April 25, 2025, in Los Angeles, city officials and community members voiced urgent concerns regarding proposed cuts to the Department of City Planning. The meeting highlighted the critical role that city planners play in addressing the ongoing housing crisis and the potential negative impacts of layoffs on essential services.

Several city planners, including Courtney Schonwald and Brian Chun, emphasized that cuts to their department would severely hinder efforts to increase housing capacity and support local businesses. Chun pointed out that the proposed layoffs would not only threaten his job but also undermine the city's ability to tackle its housing challenges. He urged the council to reconsider these cuts, stating that they contradict the mayor's housing goals.

The discussion also included testimonies from planning assistants like Alexa Vasquez and Elizabeth Jimenez, who stressed the importance of their work in updating land use and zoning regulations. They argued that the proposed budget, if approved, would halt critical projects aimed at creating affordable housing and improving community infrastructure. Jimenez specifically mentioned the risk of stalling a major transit investment in the East San Fernando Valley, which has not seen significant planning investment in decades.

Betty Barberina, another city planner, echoed these sentiments, warning that the proposed layoffs would jeopardize the equitable development and economic stability of Los Angeles. She highlighted the unique contributions of city planners, which cannot be replaced by technology or automation.

David Summers, representing the Engineers and Architects Association, raised concerns about the broader implications of the budget cuts on city operations, particularly regarding management analysts who facilitate essential contracting processes. He pointed out that the loss of these positions could disrupt the city's ability to manage transit services effectively.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, as the next budget day is scheduled for June 21, where residents are invited to participate in discussions about the city's financial future. The urgency of the situation was clear, as stakeholders emphasized the need for a budget that supports vital city services and addresses the pressing housing crisis facing Los Angeles.