Los Angeles City Council returns, focusing on Palisades, immigration, budget

The Los Angeles City Council is set to meet today for its first session of the new year following a three-week recess, with agenda items expected to include expediting the rebuilding of Pacific Palisades, responding to federal immigration enforcement actions, and increasing city revenue.

Earlier this week, the city marked the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire, an event marked by anger, frustration and cautious hope about rebuilding.

While city officials have taken steps to restore the coastal neighborhood, a proposal to waive permit fees for property owners in the fire zone drew concern from some council members in December.

Permit and plan check fees associated with the repair or reconstruction of homes damaged or destroyed by the wildfires have been paused since April 2025.

Two proposals are under discussion to permanently waive those fees, with the city covering the cost. Some council members have expressed concern about assuming the expense as the city works to reduce budget deficits after closing a $1 billion shortfall and avoiding 1,600 layoffs.

The first proposal would cost more than $86 million, covering single-family homes and duplexes only, while the second plan would be more expansive and cost between $86 million to $278 million.

Both proposals are expected to be considered at the next Budget and Finance Committee meeting.

On Friday, the City Council will consider a proposal to establish fees for non-city residents to participate in Department of Recreation and Parks programs, classes and other activities.

This initiative is one of many actions that top city officials are considering as a means to balance the budget. In 2025, city officials increased trash pick-up, sewage and parking meter fees.

In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, city officials are drafting a measure to increase funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Fire survivors have criticized the city and fire department for its handling of the disaster, pointing to failures with pre-deployment of fire engines and crews, a reservoir that sat empty during the emergency, and a watered down high-profile after-action report on the city’s response.

Council members will also consider a motion from Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez to establish a dedicated streetlight repair team in his 13th District, which includes Hollywood and Silver Lake. Funds for the team come from dollars appropriated to the councilman’s district.

Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado established a similar team in her 14th District, which stretches from downtown to Northeast Los Angeles. Los Angeles has been plagued with street light outages.

Council members Imelda Padilla and Traci Park introduced resolutions to expand an anti-camping law, known as Los Angeles Municipal Code 41.18, to more areas in their respective districts as means to address homeless encampments.

The City Council will also consider two motions on the issue of federal immigration enforcement. Since June 2025, city officials have opposed the Trump administration’s tactics and policies against illegal immigration, which included raids in the city.

Council members Bob Blumenfield and Eunisses Hernandez aim to maximize fines and fees for any individuals impersonating a federal, state or local law enforcement agent, as well as to ensure residents’ can rightfully request verifiable identification of masked, non-uniformed or unmarked individuals.

A second motion introduced by Soto-Martinez and Councilman Adrin Nazarian aims to train city staff, contractors and volunteers to act as marshals or stewards during protests.

The move comes in response to lawsuits filed against the city and Los Angeles Police Department alleging violations of First Amendment rights and use of excessive force against protesters criticizing the Trump administration’s tactics against illegal immigration.