Fixing City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall has been rocked by scandal after scandal, but now there’s momentum to reform city government. Over the coming weeks, the Times editorial board will delve deeper into proposed fixes and examine how to make them happen. This is a rare moment when meaningful change is possible. Let’s not miss the opportunity.
Most City Hall reforms must go to voters. But which reforms should Los Angeles voters consider, and when?
Los Angeles City Hall’s dysfunctional relationship with real estate development has contributed to so many of the city’s ills.
Some proposals to improve the dysfunctional city government: Abolish the City Council, elect a public advocate, appoint a homelessness czar, make it possible for the unwealthy to run for office.
Los Angeles has the biggest council districts in the nation. Voters need to add seats to the 15-member council to increase representation and accountability.
Politicians should not choose their voters; it’s a conflict of interest that puts incumbents and their allies’ desires above what’s good for communities.
The Times asked elected Los Angeles officials and candidates if they support independent redistricting, a larger city council and land-use reforms.
We asked Los Angeles’ elected leaders and candidates if they would support asking voters to approve an independent redistricting commission.
We asked Los Angeles’ elected leaders and candidates if they would support putting a measure on the ballot to enlarge the City Council.
We asked Los Angeles’ elected leaders and candidates if they support changes that remove city council members’ discretionary power over land-use decisions?
Los Angeles now has half a dozen council members who have fundamentally undermined public trust in their government. It’s time for major change.
