Los Angeles Fire Department Tax Increase Leads in Early Returns

Measure FD had 54% support and 46% opposition in the first results released on November 3. If approved, it would increase the city’s sales tax rate from 10.25% to 10.75% and bring an estimated $345 million a year to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The measure needs a simple majority to pass, and additional ballots were due to be counted through the night, with final results expected by November 27.

The proposal would require the city to maintain its existing level of Fire Department funding, preventing the new revenue from simply replacing money already allocated. The firefighters’ union, which placed the measure on the ballot, says the funds would support hiring firefighters and paramedics, improving stations and equipment, and expanding wildfire prevention. It projects the department could add about 1,400 people and at least 30 stations by 2050.

The union pointed to staffing shortages and aging vehicles identified in the department’s review of its response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The union says additional resources could improve response times across the city.

Opponents include the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the police officers’ union. They argue Los Angeles should finance the effort from funds already in its budget and object to a tax with no expiration date. The taxpayers group estimates the increase would cost an average of $86 per person annually, or $345 for a family of four. It would be the city’s third sales tax increase since 2024.

Measure FD Would Give Firefighters Resources for a Safer Los Angeles

Measure FD was ahead 54% to 46% in initial results on November 3, putting a substantial new investment in Los Angeles fire protection within reach. The half-cent increase would generate an estimated $345 million annually for the Fire Department, while requiring the city to preserve its existing funding level rather than substitute tax revenue for money already budgeted.

The firefighters’ union says the department needs more personnel, improved stations and equipment, and expanded wildfire prevention. Its plan projects roughly 1,400 additional department members and at least 30 new stations by 2050. The union has pointed to the department’s findings that staffing constraints and aging vehicles hindered its response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Opponents say the city should pay for fire protection from its existing budget. But the measure’s supporters argue that directing new revenue to the department addresses needs that have consequences for residents’ safety and emergency response. More ballots remained to be counted, with final results expected by November 27.

Los Angeles Tax Hike Leads Despite Affordability Concerns

Measure FD led 54% to 46% in the first results released on November 3, despite concerns over the cost of another tax increase. The proposal would raise Los Angeles’ sales tax from 10.25% to 10.75% and is expected to bring in $345 million a year for the Fire Department. It would be the city’s third sales tax increase since 2024, and the tax would have no expiration date.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association estimates the increase would cost $86 per person annually, or $345 for a family of four, and argues the city should cover the expense using funds it already has budgeted. The police officers’ union also opposes directing the new revenue exclusively to one department, while saying it supports hiring firefighters.

The firefighters’ union says the money would pay for more personnel, stations, equipment and wildfire prevention. The measure also requires the city to maintain its existing level of Fire Department funding. Voters were still awaiting further ballot counts, with final results expected by November 27.