LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles City Council has approved a nearly $9 billion spending plan that includes more than $100 million to fight homelessness.
The budget approved Thursday is for the fiscal year that begins July 1. It sets aside $138 million to provide services and 600 units of housing for the homeless.
Mayor Eric Garcetti proposed the huge jump in spending as LA struggles with a surge in the homeless population, now exceeding 25,000 people.
Part of that money would come from charging new fees to developers. The council hasn’t yet approved them, however.
The budget also includes around $1.5 billion for the Police Department and $634 million for the Fire Department, allowing the agencies to hire hundreds of employees.
Another $31 million would be set aside to repair sidewalks.
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