Villaraigosa says his move will strengthen the city's credit rating and its long-term fiscal health.
The mayor says about 360 of the targeted employees may be able to transfer to other positions to avoid losing their jobs.
The city's budget analyst, Miguel Santana, says the drastic cuts are necessary because of the city's $208 million budget gap.
Santana says the layoffs are needed now because delays will only result in bigger cuts later.
