Mayor Johnston answers questions on city layoffs

Breakdown

• Mayor Johnston says the city faced a $200 million budget shortfall, leading to layoffs. 30s
• The mayor attributes the shortfall to reduced tax revenue and prior government growth, not increased immigrant spending. 1m 8s
• Johnston rejects claims that layoffs targeted employees of color or specific groups. 1m 37s
• By eliminating vacant positions and making contract cuts, the city has closed about half of the budget gap. 1m 49s
• Additional layoffs may still be necessary to address the remaining budget shortfall. 1m 57s