Overview of Proposed Changes in Governance

The upcoming California ballot on November 5 features a significant proposition that could substantially alter governance in Los Angeles County, home to approximately a quarter of California’s nearly 40 million residents. The measure aims to expand the county Board of Supervisors from five to nine members and would transform the current appointed county executive into an elected position, effectively creating a county mayor with considerable authority.

Debate Among Supervisors

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a proponent of the measure, expressed during the board’s discussions, “It’s time to expand the board so it is more representative of the beautiful diversity of Los Angeles County.” While Horvath, Janice Hahn, and Hilda Solis voted in favor of placing this measure on the ballot, Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell suggested that further study was required.

Contrasting Approaches: Los Angeles vs. San Francisco

The governance structure bears similarities between Los Angeles and San Francisco, both featuring a mayor alongside a board of supervisors. However, the dynamics differ significantly. In San Francisco, real power is distributed among over 100 boards and commissions, which oversee city operations and can direct specific issues such as development projects.

This decentralized arrangement often hampers prompt decision-making, leading to inefficiencies that residents contend with regularly. A report from San Francisco’s civil grand jury titled “Commission Impossible?” revealed that there are 115 commissions, which complicates governance and oversight.

The grand jury recommended that the city establish a new commission to evaluate which of the existing 115 commissions should be retained or abolished, highlighting the convoluted nature of San Francisco’s governance.

Streamlining Proposals in San Francisco

Amidst ongoing concerns about bureaucratic inefficiency, two competing measures are set for the ballot in November. Proposition D, championed by the moderate group TogetherSF Action, aims to preserve 22 essential commissions while abolishing nearly 100 others unless they are renewed. This proposition would also limit those commissions’ powers to advisory roles only, increasing the mayor’s influence in appointing members and overseeing departments.

On the other hand, Proposition E, supported by several progressive members of the Board of Supervisors, seeks to create a task force responsible for suggesting modifications to, or combinations of, the existing commissions.

The Path Ahead

While Los Angeles County and San Francisco grapple with reforming their governance structures, both regions are making strides to enhance their systems. These efforts may inspire further changes in California’s broader governmental framework, which has faced criticism for being outdated.