The Charter Reform Commission is set to convene on Saturday at 10 AM at the Encino Community Center, focusing on a critical study session regarding city government structure.
The agenda for this sixth meeting encompasses numerous key areas, including the size of the City Council, proposals for regional districts, the implementation of a two-year budget cycle, adoption of ranked choice voting, and the concept of democracy vouchers.
Other topics will include the qualifications for members of City commissions, the elimination of undated resignation letters for commissioners, the empowerment of neighborhood councils, and the potential establishment of a Public Advocate.
A highlight of the meeting will be the presentation by Rick Cole, who recently resigned as Deputy Controller and previously served as Deputy Mayor for the Budget during the Garcetti administration.
Cole’s recommendations, underscored by a commitment to accountability and transparency, focus on improving city services, addressing infrastructure issues such as streets and sidewalks, and fostering trust in city government.
He advocates for the creation of a Chief Operating Officer to oversee municipal operations effectively and for a Chief Financial Officer tasked with consolidating the city’s financial oversight.
Additionally, Cole proposes a shift to a two-year budget cycle, the establishment of a five-year capital plan, and restoring an independent Controller with a predetermined budget alongside civil service reform.
Past criticisms from Cole and Controller Mejia regarding the Mayor, the budget process, and ongoing fiscal crises, including a structural deficit, highlight a troubling lack of long-term financial planning and infrastructure maintenance.
While their forthrightness was met with resistance from the Mayor and City Council, many Angelenos appear to support their calls for reform.
This upcoming meeting aims to outshine the previous meeting held on July 30th at the Baldwin Hills Library, which was marked by low attendance and uninspired presentations, particularly from the Mayor’s office that focused on dysfunctional capital project management.
In contrast, the earlier meeting saw professional presentations from well-funded proponents advocating for densification under the guise of needing more resources, interpreted by some as an impetus for higher taxes.
Concern was further raised by the absence of representatives from numerous neighborhood organizations, including United Homeowners and local Homeowners Associations, as well as Neighborhood Councils, who could have provided meaningful input.
Of equal concern is the apparent conflict of interest held by Chair Ray Meza, also Deputy Chief of Staff for SEIU 721, the union that negotiates on behalf of thousands of city employees.
This relationship raises questions about the motivations behind Meza’s appointment by the Mayor and whether the union’s interests align with the essential budget reforms needed to address the city’s $500 million structural deficit.
The Commission has planned a staggering 28 meetings extending through March 28, 2026, organized into themes like Planning and Infrastructure, Good Government, Government Structure, and Personnel.
However, an unfortunate absence from the agenda is the city’s pressing budget and financial issues, especially after officially declaring a State of Financial Emergency last June due to a chaotic budget situation and insufficient reserves.
As it stands, the city faces an unbalanced budget this year and a looming structural deficit over the coming years, prompting a call for serious scrutiny of financial matters.
If the Commissioners are genuinely committed to reform, it is imperative they come prepared for each meeting, dedicating adequate time to address the city’s urgent fiscal challenges effectively.
image source from：citywatchla
