LOS ANGELES — A coalition of community organizations and park advocates is seeking to place a new funding measure before Los Angeles voters in the November 2026 election, aiming to address maintenance needs, expand green space access and support recreation programs across the city.
The proposal, filed with the Los Angeles City Clerk in late 2025, would establish a dedicated funding source for parks and recreation if approved by voters, according to the Community Parks Coalition and the Trust for Public Land. Supporters said the initiative is intended to generate an estimated $320 million annually for park operations, capital improvements and community programs.
Backers of the measure said Los Angeles faces significant challenges in maintaining its park system, citing aging infrastructure, staffing reductions and growing demand for recreational services. The coalition said the city's parks department has accumulated billions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs and faces funding pressures as several existing revenue sources approach expiration.
“Los Angeles parks are essential public infrastructure,” the Community Parks Coalition said when announcing the initiative. Supporters argue that additional funding would help improve playgrounds, sports facilities, recreation centers and open spaces while strengthening climate resilience and wildfire preparedness efforts.
The proposal comes as local governments across Los Angeles County continue investing in park improvements through voter-approved funding programs. In March, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District announced more than $78 million in grants for dozens of park and open-space projects, funded through Measure A, a countywide tax approved by voters in 2016. Officials said much of the funding would be directed toward communities identified as having high park needs.
Some fiscal observers have raised broader questions about new public funding measures as Los Angeles faces budget challenges and voters weigh multiple tax-related proposals. During the June 2026 primary election, city and county voters considered several measures involving public revenues and municipal services, reflecting ongoing debate over how local governments should finance infrastructure and community programs.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the expiration of certain funding streams in coming years could create additional pressure on park maintenance and capital projects. Department documents state that future funding needs remain a significant concern for the city's recreation system.
As of June 19, organizers were continuing efforts to qualify the park funding initiative for the November 2026 ballot. City election officials have not yet released final ballot materials, and voters would need to approve the measure before any new funding could be implemented.
