Leading experts and academics on governance reform on Thursday, Dec. 14, called for an independent redistricting commission, expansion of the L.A. City Council and stronger ethics rules as city leaders continue efforts to restore public trust.
The Los Angeles Governance Reform Project (LAGRP), a coalition of academic experts from USC, CSUN, UCLA, Pomona College, among others, held a Zoom meeting to discuss their final recommendations for governance reform. Experts from Catalyst California, Common Cause and other organizations joined the professors to discuss their thoughts on the topic as well.
“We took a research-informed approach, engaging with the diverse voices of Los Angeles to ensure our recommendations reflect the needs and aspirations of our city’s residents,” said Gary Segura, co-chair of LAGRP and professor at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. “These reform recommendations are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.”
It should be noted the L.A. City Council has taken steps on some of these issues. On Nov. 29, the City Council unanimously approved a proposal for the creation of an independent redistricting commission, which will be charged with the redistricting process.
The proposal will be prepared and placed on the November 2024 ballot for voters to decide.
Additionally, the council approved a motion calling for the formation of a Charter Reform Commission, which would also need approval by voters before it can be implemented.
The council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Governance Reform Committee continues to mull over proposals for increasing the size of council, as well as establishing an independent budgeting process for the Ethics Commission.
Yet, LAGRP called for the establishment of two independent commissions, one for the city and one for Los Angeles Unified School District. Commissioners should be selected through a multi-stage process, ensuring representation from different areas of the city, the group advised.
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