Assemblywoman Explores Another Incorporation Attempt
A 2012 comprehensive finance and fiscal analysis by the Local Agency Formation Commission for Los Angeles County showed that East Los Angeles does not generate sufficient tax revenue to sustain cityhood, as California law requires. The first year alone, East L. A. would run a $19 Million deficit. Today, with inflation, that deficit would be much higher.
BY ARNOLD ADLER
LA INDEPENDENT
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved Supervisor Hilda Solis’ motion to oppose legislation that seeks to once again explore the long rejected attempts to incorporate East Los Angeles into its own city.
Assembly Bill 2986 is the revived brainchild of Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo who was also rejected by Los Angeles Eastside voters in her recent City Council campaign.
“A false narrative has been established by the bill’s author implying that East Los Angeles is without local representation and that incorporation would benefit residents, and that is simply not the case,” said Solis, who has represented East Los Angeles for the past nine years.
“By steadfastly opposing A.B. 2986, we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to preserving this culturally vibrant community.”
There have been four previous attempts to incorporate East Los Angeles.
However, a 2012 comprehensive finance and fiscal analysis by the Local Agency Formation Commission for Los Angeles County showed that East Los Angeles does not generate sufficient tax revenue to sustain cityhood, as California law requires.
The analysis showed that in the first year alone, East Los Angeles would run a $19 million deficit. Today, with inflation, that deficit would be much higher.
The Local Agency Formation Commission for the County of Los Angeles (LALAFCO) has taken a position opposing AB 2986, expressing that it has no support and that community members are not interested in the city’s incorporation, an effort last attempted over a decade ago.
Los Angeles County’s investments in East Los Angeles far exceed what the unincorporated area could generate as a city, according to Solis.
“Incorporation would hurt residents as they would have to pay more for law enforcement, fire services, libraries, housing, parks, and animal control, among other services,” Solis said in a news release.
“Preliminarily, from 2012 to today, there has been a 66% increase in the cost of sheriff services and a 59% increase in fire services. Becoming a city could mean residents and businesses in the area would either have to pay more taxes, experience reduced service levels, or outsource services to private companies — those are the only options.
Solis’ motion was coauthored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
“I fully support opposing this bill,” said Barger. “It’s disingenuous to foster the notion that incorporating East Los Angeles will improve quality of life when that’s simply not the case. Incorporating this community doesn’t pencil out.
“Multiple studies have concluded it’s not economically viable or sustainable unless taxes are raised or services for the community are decreased. It also speaks volumes when Sacramento leaders gut and amend existing legislation to introduce an initiative without involving local government leaders. That’s not OK.”
The motion approved by the county instructs the Chief Executive Office, Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Branch, to send a five-signature letter expressing Los Angeles County’s opposition and concerns to Carrillo, with copies to Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Delegation Chair Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, members of the California State Legislature leadership, and members making up Los Angeles County’s delegation.
The county’s motion also calls for a report on the extent of Los Angeles County investments in East Los Angeles and an analysis of East Los Angeles’ financial viability to stand alone as a city.
Los Angeles County departments provide municipal services to East Los Angeles and other unincorporated areas in the county.
Carrillo represents the 52nd State Assembly District, encompassing parts of northeastern Los Angeles and East Los Angeles.
