Local
What L.A. voters should know about Charter Amendment PRK
The November 3 measure would phase in a larger guaranteed budget for Los Angeles parks over 10 years, without creating a new tax.
Charter Amendment PRK asks Los Angeles voters whether the city should double the minimum budget formula for the Department of Recreation and Parks. The guarantee would rise in equal annual steps from 0.0325% to 0.065% of the assessed value of taxable city property by fiscal year 2036-37.
The measure would not impose a new tax. Instead, it would reserve a larger share of existing General Fund revenue for parks, leaving less flexible funding for services such as public safety, public works and homelessness programs.
Election: November 3, 2026
Current minimum formula: 0.0325% of assessed taxable property value
Proposed 2036-37 formula: 0.065%
Passage requirement: Simple majority
Projected funding and emergency exception
An official city financial-impact statement projects Recreation and Parks funding could rise from $303 million this year to $995 million in 2036-37, assuming average property-value growth. The money would support operations, programs, service levels and efforts to reduce disparities in park access and quality.
During a declared fiscal emergency, the City Council could reduce the guaranteed amount by as much as 30% until the emergency ends, but not below the existing 0.0325% floor. A “yes” vote supports the phased increase; a “no” vote keeps the current charter formula.
Sources: NBC Los Angeles — October 13, 2026 → · Los Angeles City Clerk ballot measures →