What to KnowCharter Amendment PRK asks voters whether the Department of Recreation and Parks’ budget should double over the next 10 years.The current minimum budget allocation is 0.0325% of the total assessed value of taxable properties. Under the charter amendment, it would increase to 0.065% by Fiscal Year 2036-2037.If passed, an official city financial impact statement projects the department’s funding to jump from $303 million this year to $995 million by 2036-37, assuming average property value growth.The money would go toward improving the parks department’s service levels, closing equity gaps, and covering the cost of operations and programs.The measure would not raise taxes; instead, it would reallocate more money from the General Fund to Recreation and Parks, leaving less revenue for other city services.The amendment allows exceptions during declared fiscal emergencies.

Voters in the city of Los Angeles will decide this November whether the Department of Recreation and Parks will get a funding boost over the next decade.

According to the department’s website, Recreation and Parks oversees more than 16,000 acres of parkland, including Griffith Park, playgrounds, athletic fields and dog parks. It also operates community facilities like senior centers, skate parks and pools, while offering summer youth camps and other recreational programs.

Currently, the department receives a minimum budget equal to 0.0325% of the total assessed value of taxable properties, which comes from the General Fund.

Charter Amendment PRK seeks to double the Recreation and Parks’ budget to 0.065%. The increases would be spread over 10 years, as follows:

2026-27: 0.0325%

2027-28: 0.03575%

2028-29: 0.039%

2029-30: 0.04225%

2030-31: 0.0455%

2031-32: 0.04875%

2032-33: 0.052%

2033-34: 0.05525%

2034-35: 0.0585%

2035-36: 0.06175%

2036-37: 0.065%

If passed, that could mean the department’s funding jumps from $303 million this year to $995 million by 2036-37, assuming average property value growth, according to a financial impact statement from City Administrative Officer Matthew W. Szabo.

The money would go toward improving the parks department’s service levels, closing equity gaps, and covering the cost of operations and programs, an impartial summary prepared by Sharon M. Tso, the city’s chief legislative analyst, states.

Tso said the current rate has failed to keep up with the growing population, park system and labor costs, ultimately leading to reduced services. Additionally, Proposition K: LA for Kids Program, which has generated $25 million annually to support parks and recreational facilities, is set to expire in Fiscal Year 2026-27.

Passing Charter Amendment PRK would not raise taxes. It would reallocate more money from the General Fund to Recreation and Parks, leaving less revenue for other city services, such as public safety, public works and homeless services.

The amendment allows exceptions for declared fiscal emergencies. In those situations, the city council could reduce Recreation and Parks’ guaranteed funding by up to 30% until the emergency ends, as long as it does not drop below 0.0325% of the total assessed value of taxable properties.

Supporters of the measure include Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, Ysabel Jurado and Imelda Padilla, the city controller, the Recreation and Parks commissioner, the president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, and the founder of Homeboy Industries.

An argument against Charter Amendment PRK was not submitted in the official voter pamphlet.

A “yes” vote would support the increase, while a “no” vote would oppose it. The ballot measure requires a majority to pass.