Mayor Karen Bass delivers State of the City address
AFSCME District Council 36 members attended Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ State of the City address Monday, where she discussed affordable housing, ICE raids, rebuilding efforts from the Palisades fire, and upcoming world sporting events.
The main topic she discussed was the many events that will be hosted in Los Angeles over the next few years such as the FIFA
World Cup, the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, and the U.S. Women’s Open, which will put LA on a global stage. “I’m excited for the various union jobs and events coming to the city,” said Local 741 President Jonathan Diaz about Bass’ address. “We just need to make sure that the city funds those jobs and keeps creating good, union jobs.”
Bass announced that Los Angeles will host free community watch parties in public parks in every council district for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She also announced a $3 million, three-year partnership with Angel City Football Club to serve more than 45,000 young athletes across the city. Additionally, the city's Department of Recreation and Parks will hold Golf for Girls clinics at public golf courses across Los Angeles during the U.S. Women’s Open in June. “When the world looks at Los Angeles, they won’t just see venues," Bass said. "They will see our values, the diversity of our people, the pride in our shared home, and all that our neighborhoods offer. Yes, the moment is big. Yes, the task is real, but we will be ready."
Bass also discussed her affordable housing initiatives and her continued plans to decrease homelessness. Bass highlighted the city's Inside Safe program with efforts to clear homeless encampments and move unhoused individuals into temporary and permanents housing. She also stated that there are plans to develop more than 42,000 affordable housing units. Also, she touted her initiative to find permanent housing for veterans. “I was glad to hear that she will be focusing on homelessness, specifically homeless veterans and rental assistance,” said Local 901 President Jackie Chilin. “That’s what really stuck with me.”
“We were excited to hear the mayor discuss the many events coming to our city. We are paying close attention to and working with city leadership as they plan for the future and these upcoming global events to ensure the city continues to fulfill its responsibility to provide vital services that Angelenos depend on and deserve,” said Matthew Maldonado, Executive Director for AFSCME District Council 36. “The city must continue to take care of its public service employees, as we provide the services that keep the city running.”
Mayor Bass will deliver the official State of the City at a later date in April.