LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 25, approved a motion calling for a pathway to rehire retired employees to assist with wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In a 13-0 vote, council members instructed the City Administrative Officer (CAO) to report on the feasibility of temporary reemploying retired workers, drawing from lessons learned during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The CAO will also provide possible funding sources for these positions.
Council members Bob Blumenfield and Imelda Padilla were absent during the vote.
There was no prior discussion.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, and Councilman Tim McOsker introduced the motion Jan. 24.
According to the motion, the rehiring of retired employees was a successful strategy during the 1994 earthquake that helped with recovery efforts.
“City employees possess valuable institutional knowledge and experience from past disasters, representing the best of public service,” the motion reads. “Given the challenges ahead, the city should explore all available options to accelerate recovery and reconstruction efforts.”
In their motion, the council members note that retired employees could expedite the recovery efforts and also “build resilience for future challenges.”