Los Angeles County is advancing multiple initiatives to support residents recovering from the 2025 wildfires and to bolster future prevention efforts. These efforts range from exploring a new regional authority to coordinate wildfire mitigation to providing job resources for survivors and protecting homeowners from unexpected property tax increases.
Regional Wildfire Mitigation Authority
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a motion to assess the feasibility of establishing a regional wildfire mitigation authority focused on the Santa Monica Mountains. Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath initiated the motion, citing the need for a more unified approach following the 2025 fires, which burned over 23,000 acres and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes.
Currently, land management in the Santa Monica Mountains is fragmented, involving federal, state, county, and local agencies, as well as private landowners, each with differing policies. Horvath stated, “Keeping our communities in the Santa Monica Mountains safe means staying prepared, strengthening prevention, and working together across agencies.”
The Department of Regional Planning and the Los Angeles County Fire Department will evaluate the potential creation of a Regional Wildfire Mitigation Joint Powers Authority. This evaluation will include analyzing existing vegetation management practices, developing governance strategies, and identifying funding sources. A report with findings and recommendations is expected within 90 days.
Fire Recovery Initiatives
In addition to prevention efforts, the county is focused on supporting residents impacted by the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. An independent After-Action Review is underway, conducted by the McChrystal Group, and a public survey is available through April 24, 2026, to gather feedback on recovery and repopulation efforts. The survey can be accessed at selfserve.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/2a8c/260109.
Weekly job fairs, known as “Fire Recovery Thursdays,” are being held at America’s Job Centers of California countywide. These events, organized by the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, connect wildfire survivors with job opportunities, career training, and supportive services. In Altadena, the local AJCC is located at 464 West Woodbury Road, Suite 210.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger highlighted the challenges faced by fire survivors, stating, “Eaton Fire survivors are facing challenges that most of us can hardly imagine…all while navigating one of the most difficult economic climates in recent memory.” Eligible participants in the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program may access temporary job opportunities starting at $20 per hour.
Property Tax Reassessment Protections
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang is sponsoring state legislation, Senate Bill 1352, to protect homeowners rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires from potential property tax reassessments. The bill aims to clarify that homes rebuilt up to 110 percent of their original size will retain their existing property tax base value.
Prang stated, “Homeowners should not have to worry that following local rebuilding standards could unintentionally lead to higher property taxes…That kind of uncertainty is unacceptable—especially after a disaster.” SB 1352 has been introduced in the State Senate and will proceed through the legislative process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Regional Wildfire Mitigation Authority assessment?
The assessment will evaluate the feasibility of creating a regional authority to better coordinate wildfire prevention efforts across the Santa Monica Mountains.
How can residents provide feedback on the county’s fire recovery efforts?
Residents can participate in the After-Action Review survey, available through April 24, 2026, at selfserve.decipherinc.com/survey/selfserve/2a8c/260109.
Where are the Fire Recovery Thursday job fairs held?
Fire Recovery Thursdays are held every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. At all 18 America’s Job Centers of California locations countywide.
As the county moves forward with these initiatives, it remains to be seen how the proposed regional authority will be structured and funded, and whether the state legislation will be enacted. These developments could significantly impact wildfire prevention and recovery efforts in Los Angeles County in the years to come.
