25-0366

The City Council is being asked to approve $150,000 in funding from the Innovation Fund (IF) to support the Bureau of Street Lighting's (BSL) 3D Printing for the Public Right-of-Way Project.

District CD 7
First Seen October 29, 2025
Last Seen October 29, 2025
Appearances 1 meeting(s)
Official title: GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY, INNOVATION, AND AUDITS COMMITTEE REPORT relative to funding from the Innovation Fund (IF) for the Bureau of Street Lighting (BSL) – 3D Printing for the Public Right-of-Way Project.

Timeline

Related documents

Report from Government Efficiency, Innovation, and Audits Committee 10-17-25
What is Being Proposed?

The City Council is being asked to approve $150,000 in funding from the Innovation Fund (IF) to support the Bureau of Street Lighting's (BSL) 3D Printing for the Public Right-of-Way Project. This involves establishing a new appropriation account and transferring the money to the BSL's operational budget for street lighting improvements and supplies.

Why?

The document indicates this is part of the city's innovation initiatives to improve government efficiency. The Government Efficiency, Innovation, and Audits Committee reviewed a City Administrative Officer (CAO) report and determined the project aligns with the city's financial policies. However, the CAO noted this funding may result in unfunded and ongoing costs, and will reduce the available Innovation Fund balance from $2,768,922.75 to approximately $2,618,922.75.

Key Details

Funding Amount: $150,000 Source: Innovation Fund No. 105/10 Committee Vote: Unanimous approval (Rodriguez, Blumenfield, and Mcosker all voted YES on October 17, 2025) Requirements: The BSL must separately track all spending, report to the Innovation and Performance Commission about lessons learned and obstacles, and acknowledge the IPC in public materials related to the project.

Impact

This funding supports street lighting innovation in public right-of-way areas, though the document does not specify the exact nature of the 3D printing application. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Innovation Fund at fiscal year's end. The city notes this allocation reduces available emergency funds during a current citywide financial crisis.

Report from City Administrative Officer dated 4-08-25
What is Being Proposed?

The City Administrative Officer recommends that the City Council note and file a report regarding LA Lights' Innovation Fund proposal to implement 3D printing technology for producing street lighting fixtures used in public right-of-way installations. The Innovation and Performance Commission (IPC) approved $150,000 in funding for this pilot project, which would involve purchasing two 3D printers to produce between one-quarter and one-half of LA Lights' lighting needs in-house.

Why This Matters

LA Lights faces significantly rising material costs, particularly for electrical system components needed for street lighting connections. By shifting to in-house 3D printing production, the department aims to reduce per-unit costs from $300 to approximately $80—a savings of $220 per unit. LA Lights estimates that if these cost reductions were applied to FY 23/24 purchases, it would have generated nearly $800,000 in savings. The project would also train field staff on new technology and enable faster, customized solutions for addressing vandalism and theft.

Key Details

IPC Approval: $150,000 funding recommended Cost Reduction: From $300 per box to $80 per box (73% reduction) Current Impact: A 20% increase in basic material costs on existing spending Innovation Fund Balance: Currently $2,768,922.75

Important Note

This report does NOT recommend approval at this time. The City Administrative Officer states that despite IPC approval, this Office does not recommend funding the proposal "as presented at this time" due to extraordinary budget constraints outlined in the Third Mid-Year Financial Status Report.

1 additional document(s)
Communication from CD 7 10-17-25 - Recommendations