Money for pet projects
The City Council controls a series of discretionary accounts that members tap into for local projects, programs and events:
Street Furniture Revenue Funds $4.8 million
Half of the revenue from advertisements on city bus shelters and kiosks is divided equally among the 15 council districts. Since November, nine council members have requested transfers of nearly $1.6 million into their offices' salary accounts.
L.A. City Council's spending accounts
Real Property Trust Funds $10.7 million
Historically, when a city property was sold, half the proceeds were placed in a fund controlled by the council district where that property was located. Venice has a special fund ($4.3 million) that ensures all of the sale proceeds from that area go back to the Venice community.AB 1290 Economic Development Funds $10 million
A state law provides Los Angeles and other cities with a slice of tax revenue from redevelopment areas. Certain council members can use money from the fund for projects such as pocket parks, community gardens, traffic lights and security cameras.
Source: Los Angeles city budget analysts and Times reporting
FEATURED
MORE:
Advertisement
