Barger Says Federal Aid Critical to Altadena’s Long-Term Recovery

Supervisor Kathryn Barger at a meeting (Photo – LA County)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said Tuesday that federal funding will be critical to the long-term recovery of Altadena and other communities affected by wildfires.

By News Desk

Her statement followed the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous approval of a $54.2 billion supplemental budget for fiscal year 2026–27.

More than $2 billion in public infrastructure was damaged or destroyed in the Eaton fire, Barger said. She described those costs as unmet needs that exceed the county’s ability to pay for them alone.

“Altadena’s recovery is a long-term commitment, and this budget shows that the county can’t carry it alone,” Barger said. “This makes federal funding—including the disbursement of existing FEMA funding and long-term supplemental disaster aid—critical right now.”

Barger also highlighted the Disaster Case Management Program, which currently has nearly 1,400 active cases across wildfire-impacted communities. More than 1,000 involve Eaton fire survivors, while approximately 700 additional families remain on a waiting list for assistance.

The program helps families secure housing, resolve insurance disputes and navigate the rebuilding process. Barger warned that without the immediate release of approved federal funding to sustain and staff the program, hundreds of families could remain without a clear path home.

The supplemental budget is largely tied to specific programs, legal mandates and one-time revenue, Barger said. She emphasized the need for the county to remain within its means while protecting essential services for vulnerable residents.

The budget also includes $4.5 million to address homeless encampments in areas with very high fire severity and $1.3 million for contract monitoring within the new Department of Homeless Services and Housing.

Barger said the department was created to improve transparency in tracking homeless-services spending and outcomes.

“My priority remains the same: more treatment beds, more crisis capacity, and getting people with serious mental illness into care—not cycling through our streets and jails,” she said.