Many Departments Closed, Dozens of Residents Turned Away Empty-Handed
Los Angeles City Hall was almost entirely without in-person staff on Friday, February 22nd, with many departments closed, leaving dozens of residents who came to complete procedures to leave empty-handed.
When reporters observed the scene, the Finance Office, a Council liaison office, and the Los Angeles Housing Department were not receiving visitors. Approximately 50 residents appeared during the day to pay taxes or seek financial advice but found no staff to assist them.
Kyla Wilkenfeld-Bronson, a small business owner, said she drove from near LAX to City Hall to pay a $4,000 tax bill before the end-of-February deadline. She checked the website before leaving but found no closure notice. Upon arrival, she only saw a "closed on Fridays" sign and an empty hallway.
Over 50,000 Employees, Each Department Sets Its Own Work Schedule
The City of Los Angeles has over 50,000 employees across approximately 44 departments with a total payroll of $6.4 billion. Each unit's general manager decides its in-person work schedule. The Housing Department confirmed that its office staff work remotely many days a week, while field teams are still present in person.
Mayor Karen Bass requires staff in her office to work in person four days a week, but this directive has not yet extended to the entire system. The Mayor's office has not responded to inquiries about plans to require all employees to return to full-time in-person work.
The City Council previously considered a proposal to audit the costs of office rental and remote work equipment. The report showed that the cost of equipping employees for home-based work ranged from $1,150 to $2,170 per employee, while the city continues to maintain its office lease agreements.
Adjacent Commercial Mall Sees 90% Revenue Decline
Across the street, Los Angeles Mall is in a dismal state. One shop owner reported a 90% revenue drop compared to pre-pandemic levels as government employees shifted to remote work. Many shops and restaurants have closed, with only a few businesses struggling to stay afloat.
A report from the City Controller's Office indicates that 2025 revenues are $160 million lower than projected, while legal liability payouts have increased to $287 million. Public investment projects have disbursed $25 million out of a total planned $131 million.
For residents needing to complete procedures, policy debates feel distant. They face the reality of a City Hall that is unofficially closed but also not fully operational.
