Overview of the Changes

The recent ballot measure approved by Los Angeles County voters signifies a transformative moment for governance in the region. With a population exceeding 10 million, making it larger than all but ten U.S. states, the county’s Board of Supervisors will expand from five to nine members following the 2030 census. This restructuring aims to better reflect the county’s rich demographic diversity.

Rationale for the Expansion

Many advocates argue that a larger board would allow for more effective representation. While suggestions for increasing the board to 13 or 15 members were discussed, the decision to increase from five to nine members is seen as a stepping stone towards more inclusive governance.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the measure, stated, “Five supervisors for 10 million people? That doesn’t make sense.” She emphasized the necessity of more supervisors to attend to the varied needs of constituents effectively.

The Introduction of an Elected County Executive

Another significant change is the establishment of an elected county executive, akin to a mayor for the county, with the inaugural election set for 2028. This role is expected to be highly influential, likely becoming the second most crucial political position in California. Given the county’s size and political landscape, the new executive role is positioned as a potential pathway to higher offices, including the governorship.

Opposition to the Changes

Despite the broad support for these reforms, not all board members favored the changes. Supervisor Kathryn Barger opposed the inclusion of a county executive position without term limits, warning it could lead to politicization of county operations. Barger asserted, “We need an executive that is nonpartisan and unbiased running the daily operations of the county, not another politician.”

Contrasting Developments in San Francisco

The governance changes in Los Angeles County stand in stark contrast to the recent events in San Francisco. While San Francisco residents voted out incumbent Mayor London Breed in favor of philanthropist Daniel Lurie, they simultaneously rejected a measure aimed at streamlining the city’s governance by reducing the number of 130 semi-independent commissions. This decision reflects ongoing challenges in addressing critical issues like homelessness and crime within a complex political structure.

The mixed outcomes in San Francisco highlight the differing approaches to governance reform within California’s major metropolitan areas.