Potential Expansion of LA County Board of Supervisors  

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved creating an ordinance, that if approved by voters it would increase the number of supervisors from five to nine.  

Each supervisor currently represents about 2 million people. The expansion would reduce this to about 1 million per district.  

What You Need to Know   

Once the ordinance is drafted, the LA County Board of Supervisors will vote to place the measure on the November ballot. 

Key points that could be on a reform measure come November: 

• Creation of an Ethics Commission. It would investigate misconduct and enforce ethics laws. It would also create public data portals. Plus, it would regularly review and recommend updates to the County Code. 

• Expansion of the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members following the 2030 census. 

• Creation of a few new job positions and offices. They would help the ethic commission and County management work better. 

• Authorizing suspending elected county officers. This happens if they are charged with a felony related to their duties. 

• Creation of a two-year policy that would stop ex-County officials from lobbying the County after leaving office. 

• Establishing a task force to oversee the Charter amendment's implementation. 

• Creation of a review commission to review County governance. 

• County departments would need to present their budgets in public meetings. They do this before the annual budget is finalized. 

• All non-urgent legislation would need to be posted publicly. It must be posted for at least 120 hours before the Board acts. 

The Board voted to advance the motion 3-0 with Supervisors Mitchell and Barger abstaining. Both voiced concerns with the process by which these proposals came on the agenda.  

The Board of Supervisors will vote again to determine specific ordinance language and the measure's placement on the ballot.  

How It Impacts You

Supporters say this change will give the Board better representation and diverse voices.   

Yet, critics worry about the higher costs. They also question whether nine supervisors are the right number.   

For example, creating new offices. This could raise county costs and might lead to higher property taxes or fees for businesses. 

More diverse county supervisors could lead to zoning and budget decisions that are more localized and specific.   

For example, a tech-heavy district might push for mixed-use spaces. An area with old infrastructure might focus on road repairs and public transport.  

These differing viewpoints could create a balanced development plan. It would better meet the needs of many communities in Los Angeles County. 

The ethics commission could lead to regulatory changes.  

If they stress the importance of sustainability, this could lead to stricter rules. For example, tougher energy efficiency requirements or carbon reduction targets for buildings. 

They might also recommend updates to building codes to reflect ethical considerations, such as improved accessibility for people with disabilities. 

Stay Connected  

If voters approve, this change in county governance could greatly affect how businesses in Los Angeles County operate.    

Stay connected to BOMA on the Frontline for updates.  

Remember, this is still a proposal that needs voter approval in November. 

Stay engaged in these issues and make your voices heard.