Los Angeles City Hall Deserted as Remote Work Policies Leave Departments Understaffed

Nearby businesses report revenue plunging 90% as government workers stay home

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles City Hall was largely empty on a Friday, with entire hallways and offices deserted as remote work policies have left key departments understaffed. Dozens of taxpayers showed up to conduct business only to find closed doors and no staff available to assist them. The impact extends to nearby businesses, with the Los Angeles Mall across the street reporting a 90% drop in revenue since the pandemic as government workers no longer fill the area.

Why it matters

The remote work policies at Los Angeles City Hall highlight the broader challenges facing municipalities as they grapple with the shift to hybrid and remote work models. The lack of in-person staffing is not only frustrating for residents who need to conduct business, but it is also taking a major toll on nearby businesses that have come to rely on the daily influx of government workers.

The details

When the California Post visited City Hall on a Friday, the Office of Finance, a council liaison office, and the Los Angeles Housing Department were all closed for business, leaving about 50 Angelenos who had come to pay bills or seek financial advice stranded. City Hall staff said this was a common occurrence every Friday. The Los Angeles Housing Department, Office of Finance, and Bureau of Street Services all confirmed they have 'hybrid schedules' allowing workers to be at home four days a week. This has left departments understaffed in person, impacting services and coordination. Meanwhile, the nearby Los Angeles Mall is struggling, with one business reporting a 90% drop in revenue since the pandemic as government workers no longer fill the area.

  • On a typical Friday, City Hall departments are closed and understaffed.
  • The California Post visited City Hall on Friday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who has ordered her own staff back to the office four days a week, but has yet to extend that directive across the broader city workforce.

Monica Rodriguez

A Los Angeles City Councilmember who is concerned about the fact that most city employees still work from home and has introduced a motion ordering an audit of office leases, telecommuting costs, and at-home equipment.

Kenneth Mejia

The Los Angeles City Controller who found the city took in $160 million less revenue than expected in 2025, forcing officials to source reserves to balance the budget.

Kyla Wilkenfeld-Bronson

A small business owner who drove to City Hall from near LAX to pay a $4,000 tax bill, only to find the Office of Finance closed with no staff available to assist her.

Jennifer Clark

A North Hollywood resident who submitted a formal comment to the City Council demanding the city 'take inventory of what office leases are still needed and make fiscally smart decisions...to save money.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is crazy. I had no idea their office would be closed. It doesn't make sense. I drove all the way down here.”

— Kyla Wilkenfeld-Bronson, Small business owner (California Post)

“It's hard to get business done when people aren't at their desks.”

— A City Council staffer, Responsible for lighting issues (California Post)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council is expected to review the audit of office leases, telecommuting costs, and at-home equipment ordered by Councilmember Monica Rodriguez in the coming weeks to determine how to address the city's remote work policies and their impact on services and nearby businesses.

The takeaway

The deserted Los Angeles City Hall and the struggling businesses in the surrounding area highlight the broader challenges municipalities face as they navigate the shift to hybrid and remote work models. The lack of in-person staffing is not only frustrating for residents, but it is also taking a major toll on local businesses that have come to rely on the daily influx of government workers.