The Los Angeles City Council on April 24 voted to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance of tax-exempt bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000 to finance and/or refinance construction, improvement, installation, furnishing and equipping by the Japanese American National Museum at 100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles.

The city attorney explained the public-comment process and identified item number 1 (the TEFRA-related matter) as open for comment. Several members of the public addressed the council in favor of the museum funding; Kathy Schreiner, identified herself as president of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council, said, "I am in support of item number 1." Other speakers urged the council to weigh the museum support against broader city budget pressures and potential layoffs.

Council members considered a technical amendment that changes the TEFRA hearing date; the clerk announced the amendment would move the TEFRA hearing to May 7, 2025. After public comment, the council voted on the amended item; the clerk recorded the result as "11 ayes." The council approved the bond authorization as amended.

What the item does: The action authorizes the city to participate in the TEFRA hearing process and approve issuance of bonds up to $12,000,000 to support rehabilitation and improvements at the Japanese American National Museum. The city attorney summarized the project scope as "financing and/or refinancing for the construction improvement, installation, furnishing, and equipping by the Japanese American National Museum of the museum and ancillary surf facilities located at 100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90012." The amendment announced at the meeting changes the TEFRA hearing date to May 7, 2025; the council voted to approve the item as amended.

Why it matters: The bond authorization provides municipal backing to a nonprofit cultural institution's capital work. The decision took place amid broader council discussion and public comment about the mayor's proposed budget cuts, city staffing and services. Several public commenters used their time to press the council on those wider fiscal issues while also noting support for the museum.

Vote at a glance: The clerk tabulated the vote as 11 ayes; the item passed as amended to set the TEFRA hearing date to May 7, 2025.

Speakers who addressed the council during the public comment portion included neighborhood council leaders and residents who voiced both support for the museum and concerns about the city's fiscal priorities.