Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has proposed a new budget that includes significant increases to the city’s bimonthly sewer bill, with the cost more than doubling by mid-2028 if approved by the city council. The proposed budget also includes increases to other city services, such as ambulance service costs and improvements to infrastructure. The increase in sewer bills is aimed at generating additional revenue for the city to address urgent issues, such as homelessness and public safety.
The proposed budget comes as municipalities across the nation are considering raising water and sewer rates for various reasons, including infrastructure investments, capital improvements, and increasing operation and maintenance costs. In Virginia, for example, Aqua Virginia recently submitted a rate increase that could result in a 42 percent increase to water and sewer bills. In Los Angeles, the sewer bill increases would help fund the replacement of aging sewage pipes and other improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.
The spike in sewer bills in Los Angeles is expected to have a significant impact on residents, with the average bimonthly bill for a family increasing by $20 initially and eventually reaching around $155 over the next four years. This represents a substantial increase from the current average of around $72. The additional revenue generated from the sewer bill increases is estimated to amount to approximately $115 million for the city, which will be used to address infrastructure needs and other critical services.
Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of prioritizing core city services and implementing a more transparent and focused budget process to continue building a “new” Los Angeles. The proposed budget reflects the city’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and improving the overall quality of life for Angelenos. The increases in sewer bills will impact all residents of the city, including homeowners, renters, and business owners.
Overall, the proposed budget from Mayor Bass includes a series of sewer bill increases that aim to provide additional funding for infrastructure improvements and essential city services. The spike in sewer bills will result in significant cost increases for residents, with the average bimonthly bill more than doubling by mid-2028. The additional revenue generated from the increases will help address urgent needs and support efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable Los Angeles.
