Delivering For Los Angeles: All Civil Service Layoffs Averted in Los Angeles
All civil service layoffs averted in Los Angeles, a major relief for Angelenos and vital city services.


This morning, I was proud to have shared news that makes me deeply hopeful for Los Angeles. After months of negotiations and creative problem-solving, we have secured agreements that avert all civil service layoffs in the 2025 – 2026 City Budget.

Earlier this year, some people said we wouldn’t be able to achieve this goal. But while others panicked, we got to work.

When I first introduced this budget earlier this year, Los Angeles faced an almost $1 billion shortfall. The numbers on paper were daunting, and the initial proposal included more than 1,600 layoffs, which would have meant thousands of families wondering how they’d pay their rent, put food on the table or keep health care for their loved ones. It would have also meant vital services cut back when Angelenos need them most.

I promised that we would fight to avoid layoffs – and today, I am proud to tell you that promise has been kept.

How We Did It

Our city workers are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. We fought and worked with our labor partners and department heads to find solutions that preserved jobs and continued services. We shifted employees into critical roles at the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, and other departments where their skills were urgently needed. We developed creative agreements with unions, from voluntary overtime arrangements at LAPD to carefully designed unpaid holidays that averted civilian layoffs.Every step of the way, we centered the people of Los Angeles: the workers who keep our city running and the residents who rely on them every day.

What This Means for You

Even in the face of economic headwinds, we delivered a City budget that builds on the progress we have made to reduce homelessness and crime. In this year’s balanced budget, we are delivering:

- Neighborhood services, from libraries and recreation centers to street repairs, emergency response, and more;

- Investments in public safety remain strong, including more resources for paramedics, 9-1-1 dispatchers, and homelessness prevention programs;

- City infrastructure projects stay on track, including new recreation facilities in the Valley and South Los Angeles.

This is more than a budget win. It’s a victory for every Angeleno who depends on the services that make our neighborhoods stronger and safer.

Why It Matters

Budgets are about priorities, and this year’s budget reflects a simple truth: Los Angeles will always fight for its people.

When faced with hard choices, we did not allow working families to bear the brunt of economic downturns. Instead, we came together – with labor, city leadership, and community voices – to protect jobs, strengthen services, and keep Los Angeles moving forward.

A Promise to Keep Fighting

I will always fight for you – for your jobs, your families, your rights, and your future. Today is proof that when we stand together, we win together.

With pride and gratitude,
Mayor Karen Bass

Mayor Karen Bass State of the City 2025

For more Layoff FAQs, click here.

Employee Work History

Information on Employee Work History (EWH) can be found on the following webpages:

EWH FAQs EWH Landing Page

Mental Health & Financial Counseling Services

“SUPPORT PLUS” -  EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EFAP)

It is understandable that employees may be experiencing stress during this process and are encouraged to use the City’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for support.

What is it?
Support Plus is an employee and family assistance program.  The City’s EFAP provides: access to counseling and emotional support services; legal and financial resource services with the ability to speak with an attorney or access legal document support; and, convenience service support which can help identify finding support services (e.g., day care, lodging options, etc.)

Services are available to anyone in your household for free.

Service Free Session Available
Counseling session with certified Clinician or Counselor Five (5) free in-person or virtual sessions, per person, per incident/topic, per year
Legal consultation with an Attorney Free 30-minute session per issue, per year
Financial consultation Free 30-60 minute session per issue, per year

*Discounted rates are available to continue services on each issue once the free sessions are exhausted.

How to Access
Call 800-213-5813 and use Access Code: CityofLA  (Available 24/7)

general support information

The following is contact information for Employee Assistance Programs covering other groups of City employees:

Harbor Department Employees:   
(800) 367-7474

Department of Water and Power Employees:
(888) 439-7327

Los Angeles Police Relief Association:
(888) 285-2858

United Firefighters of Los Angeles City:
(800) 252-8352 Ext. 225

Retirement Support

Employees who are concerned they may be laid off can begin looking into potential options with LACERS. Depending on an employee's years of City Service and Tier Membership, there are different options available regarding retirement benefits.

lacers FAQs Service Credit Purchase
LACERS Logo

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (DCP)

Loans and Withdrawal Options

Active, Retired, or Terminated Employees may be eligible for certain loan/withdrawal options from their DCP accounts. These options can provide the flexibility needed to address your immediate financial challenges.

Employees can access information about these DCP options and eligibility using the following buttons:

Loans Withdrawals

To discuss specific situations and learn more about how to access their DCP funds, employees may contact the DCP Service Center at 844-523-2457. Customer Service Associates are available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PT, except on New York Stock Exchange holidays to guide employees through the process and ensure they have the support needed.

Unemployment Benefits

FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment benefits pay a weekly income payment (up to $450) to eligible individuals who file claims while they look for new employment.

City employees who are terminated due to layoff may be eligible to file for unemployment benefits after their employment termination occurs by filing with the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD). 

Employees may read more about the eligibility and filing process by visiting the following website:

EDD Website

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)

Continuing Benefits after Termination of Employment
Employees and their dependents are allowed to continue health, dental, and vision coverage after leaving employment by applying for COBRA and paying the full premium for their elected coverage. COBRA cannot be offered until a termination event has occurred and recorded. COBRA offers are good for 60 days and are retroactive to the termination date if the applicant successfully enrolls.

For more information, and to view current COBRA costs, please visit:.

cobra faqs