Los Angeles, CA, January 16, 2026
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is leading a campaign to propose a half-cent sales tax increase. Aimed at raising over $300 million annually for the fire department, this initiative seeks to address chronic underfunding and improve emergency preparedness as the city grows. Local leaders support the initiative, emphasizing the essential investment in public safety while ensuring taxpayers can track spending through various oversight measures.
Los Angeles Union Pushes for Sales Tax Increase to Boost Fire Services
Funding Essential Services: An Entrepreneurial Initiative
Los Angeles, CA – The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) is taking strides to alleviate chronic underfunding within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The union is spearheading a campaign to introduce a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot with the aim of raising over $300 million annually specifically for the fire department. This proposal addresses the pressing issue of insufficient resources as the city faces increased demand for fire services.
The initiative seeks to elevate the current sales tax rate from 9.75% to 10.25%, with the additional revenue earmarked exclusively for the LAFD. Such funding is essential for sending a clear message about the importance of investing in public safety, while maintaining the economic vitality that supports Los Angeles’s business landscape. This proactive approach comes amid growing calls for improved emergency preparedness, especially as the city continues to grow and evolve.
Revenue and Resource Allocation
The proposed sales tax increase is expected to yield at least $345 million in its first year, contributing to an impressive projected total revenue of approximately $10 billion by 2050. These funds are earmarked for crucial investments such as hiring more than 1,000 firefighters, procuring new equipment, and both constructing and repairing aging fire stations. With the construction of up to 30 new stations, this proposal significantly bolsters the LAFD’s capacity to meet the demands of a growing population.
Addressing Historical Underfunding
UFLAC representatives emphasize that the LAFD operates with a staffing level equivalent to that of the 1960s, despite a dramatic increase in the population of Los Angeles and a corresponding rise in emergency calls. In fact, the department currently has 42 fewer firefighters compared to its staffing levels during the notable Pacific Palisades fire in 2025. The workforce needs to catch up to cities such as Chicago and San Francisco to ensure adequate preparedness for firefighting efforts throughout the sprawling metropolitan area.
Community and Political Support
Support for the sales tax initiative is apparent among local leaders, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park and Mayor Karen Bass, both of whom recognize the critical need for enhanced firefighting capabilities in the city. The initiative comes accompanied by robust oversight measures, which include the establishment of a special fund dedicated to the LAFD, annual public audits, and a citizens’ oversight committee to monitor all financial aspects of the tax. Such measures aim to reassure taxpayers that their contributions will be utilized effectively.
Historical Context of LAFD Funding
Historically, funding issues for the LAFD have persisted despite prior efforts to bolster infrastructure and capabilities. A notable example is the approval of Proposition F in 2000, which authorized the issuance of a $532 million bond for fire department improvements. Even so, the ongoing struggle with staffing shortages and deteriorating infrastructure highlights the need for continued and sustainable funding solutions like the one proposed.
Call to Action
Community members and stakeholders in Los Angeles are encouraged to remain informed and engaged regarding this proposed sales tax increase. Supporting such initiatives can foster an environment where vital public services, like the fire department, are well-resourced and capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic and diverse city. Entrepreneurs and small business owners also stand to benefit from a well-funded fire department that enhances community safety, subsequently contributing to economic growth and resilience throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed sales tax increase in Los Angeles?
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) has initiated a campaign to place a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot, aiming to generate over $300 million annually for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). This proposal seeks to address longstanding underfunding and resource shortages within the department.
How will the additional revenue from the sales tax be used?
The initiative proposes raising the city’s sales tax from 9.75% to 10.25%. The additional revenue would be allocated exclusively to the LAFD, funding the hiring of more firefighters and civilian staff, purchasing new equipment, and constructing and repairing fire stations. The tax is projected to generate at least $345 million in its first year, with total revenue reaching approximately $10 billion by 2050. This funding could facilitate the construction of 30 new stations and increase the department’s personnel by over 1,000 firefighters.
Why is this sales tax increase being proposed?
UFLAC officials highlight that the LAFD operates with the same number of firefighters as it did in the 1960s, despite a significant increase in the city’s population and emergency calls. The department currently has 42 fewer firefighters than it did during the Pacific Palisades fire in 2025 and fewer firefighters per 1,000 residents compared to cities like Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle. Additionally, over 50 LAFD stations are struggling with aging infrastructure, with some more than 80 years old.
Who supports the sales tax increase initiative?
Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park supports the initiative, emphasizing the need for improved preparedness to prevent future disasters. Mayor Karen Bass has also expressed her backing, stating that the initiative will help build out the LAFD to fully serve all Angelenos now and into the future. The proposal includes strict oversight measures, such as a special fund dedicated solely to the fire department, annual public audits, and a citizens’ oversight committee to track all spending from the tax.
What is the history of funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department?
This initiative follows a history of underinvestment in the LAFD. In 2000, voters approved Proposition F, a ballot measure that authorized the issuance of a $532 million bond, more than half of which was allocated to build 19 neighborhood fire stations and a helicopter maintenance facility. Despite this, the department continues to face challenges related to staffing and infrastructure, prompting the current push for additional funding through the proposed sales tax increase.
Key Features of the Sales Tax Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposed Tax Increase | Half-cent increase in Los Angeles city sales tax, raising it from 9.75% to 10.25% |
| Revenue Generation | Estimated to generate at least $345 million annually, with total revenue reaching approximately $10 billion by 2050 |
| Allocation of Funds | Dedicated exclusively to the Los Angeles Fire Department for hiring additional staff, purchasing new equipment, and constructing and repairing fire stations |
| Oversight Measures | Special fund dedicated solely to the fire department, annual public audits, and a citizens’ oversight committee to track all spending from the tax |
| Supporters | Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park and Mayor Karen Bass have expressed support for the initiative |
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