November 26, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA — Following the historic passage of Measure G, and in her final meeting as Chair of the Board of Supervisors for 2024, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and co-author Supervisor Hilda L. Solis received the unanimous support of the Board to implement governance reform in LA County. With amendments from Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, the Board approved the structure for the Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF), a key provision of Measure G designed to oversee the rollout of these historic changes to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation throughout the process.

“Today, our Board unanimously came together and took the first step in implementing historic reforms to Los Angeles County’s governance structure,” said Chair Lindsey P. Horvath. “I am proud to be part of a Board of all women leaders who bring thoughtful solutions to the table to ensure we get this right. This is truly the start of a process with robust public engagement at its core. Our communities will see the change this Spring through transparent budget hearings, and through our soon-to-be-selected Governance Reform Task Force, our communities will have a body to engage in shaping a more transparent, accountable, and representative Los Angeles County for all.”

“On November 5, LA County residents voted in favor of transforming Los Angeles County government. Now it is our job to ensure that the County moves swiftly to implement Measure G. By quickly enacting the reforms in Measure G, we are fulfilling our promise to the voters of creating a government that is more representative of its residents, more transparent, and more accountable. As the only Latina on the Board of Supervisors, I have long championed these reforms because I know how important it is to ensure that all of our County’s diverse voices are reflected in government,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “With voters’ approval, the implementation of Measure G will demonstrate the County’s commitment to diversity, accountability, and together, we will ensure this new era of governance uplifts and reflects the values of the communities we serve.”

The Governance Reform Task Force will be comprised of the following:

• 13 members: Five selected by Board offices; three members (one each) for SEIU Local 721, Los Angeles Federation of Labor, and the Coalition of County Unions; and five at-large members to be selected by the five Board office-appointed members.
• Total composition must include two residents of unincorporated communities and no more than two at-large members can reside in the same Supervisorial District.
• At least one individual on the GRTF shall represent the interests of each of the following stakeholder groups: the business sector, municipal government, and community-based organizations, as well as an individual with significant knowledge or experience in public sector ethics.
• All seats must apply to be considered and must meet minimum requirements laid out in the motion.
• All members will have an equal vote on recommendations, and will have authority to request information from County departments.
• The Executive Office will create a draft scope of work to help the body begin its important work.

The scope of work for the GRTF will include:

• ​A process to effectuate the Charter requirement that County legislation be publicly posted for a minimum of five days before Board action.
• A proposed structure for the independent Ethics Commission utilizing County Counsel’s report on Ethics Reform in addition to a public input process that is completed in time to implement the Commission by 2026.
• Reorganization options that include the creation of a County Legislative Officer, a Director of Budget and Management, including staffing and budget.
• A staffing and budget proposal for the new nine-member Board.
• A proposal and timeline to establish a Charter Review Commission to meet at least every 10 years to review Los Angeles County’s governance and the County Charter.

Beyond the GRTF, immediate change will include the CEO developing a proposed process for departments to present their budget requests at a public Board meeting in 2025.

To learn more about implementation of Measure G’s reforms, visit www.lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov/governance. Read the approved motion here.

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