The City of Lomita has adopted its Mid-Cycle Budget Report for the 2024–26 Biennial Budget, an important milestone that reflects financial planning and progress toward the community’s long-term vision. Every adjustment made aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, ensuring that investments today lay the groundwork for a safer, more vibrant Lomita tomorrow.

Turning Strategy Into Action

The updated FY 2025–26 budget has increased from $32.06 million to $39.76 million to account for rising costs and evolving needs. But more importantly, the budget is a tool for advancing the City’s strategic priorities:

  • Enhancing public safety through continued support of law enforcement and emergency response
  • Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like streets, water systems, and City facilities
  • Fostering a high quality of life through parks, recreation programs, and safe routes to school
  • Ensuring fiscal sustainability through responsible financial planning and strong reserves

These priorities reflect goals identified in Lomita’s Strategic Plan, such as building a resilient infrastructure system, improving community well-being, and delivering high-quality municipal services.

Where the Money Goes

For FY 2025–26, the City’s investments include:

  • 21% – Water Utility Operations (clean, reliable water infrastructure)
  • 23% – Capital Improvement Projects (streets, parks, facilities)
  • 15% – Special Revenue Fund uses
  • 41% – Core services (Sheriff’s Department, City operations, and more)

These investments directly support strategic goals around sustainability, infrastructure, and public safety.

How It’s Funded

More than 70% of this spending is supported by local service fees and taxes, like development fees, sales tax, park and program fees, underscoring the importance of a strong local economy and community participation.

A Budget That Reflects Community Values

Public Safety & Trust: 31% of the General Fund supports the Sheriff’s contract, reinforcing the City’s focus on safe neighborhoods and responsive policing.

Strong Fiscal Health: The budget is balanced, with projected General Fund reserves of nearly $8 million, aligning with the Strategic Plan’s focus on long-term financial resilience.

Improved Daily Life: From street paving and traffic safety to parks and facility upgrades, every project supports the community experience and addresses resident priorities identified in recent outreach efforts.

Capital Improvements That Move Lomita Forward

Lomita’s updated Capital Improvement Plan, developed in line with Strategic Plan goals, focuses on:

  • Safer, well-maintained streets
  • Modern, functional public spaces
  • Water system upgrades that ensure long-term reliability

These efforts are primarily funded by restricted revenue sources (like Gas Tax and Measure R), allowing the General Fund to remain focused on core services.

Why This Matters

This budget update is more than a financial report, it’s a roadmap for delivering on the commitments laid out in Lomita’s Strategic Plan. It reflects thoughtful stewardship of public resources and a shared vision for the future.

To learn more about the Mid-Cycle Budget Report, click here.