In a significant shift in local governance, the power dynamic within Los Angeles County is poised to change with the establishment of an elected chief executive, a position that may surpass even the mayor of Los Angeles in political clout.
Former West Covina Mayor Brian Calderón Tabatabai has stated, “It’s probably going to be the second most powerful position in the state next to the governor,” underscoring the anticipated influence this role will have.
This week, five final members were appointed to the county’s governance reform task force, a 13-member group tasked with framing the future of the county’s governance following the approval of Measure G by voters last November.
Measure G aimed to overhaul L.A. County government but left many details vague, creating a challenging task for the task force. Among their primary responsibilities is the establishment of a new county ethics commission by 2026 and the expansion of the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members by 2032.
However, perhaps the most consequential aspect of this overhaul will be determining the powers of the new chief executive, an appointed role morphing into an elected position representing approximately 10 million residents.
Some task force members have expressed apprehensions about the existence of an elected CEO. “I’m extremely concerned about the elected CEO,” remarked former Duarte Mayor John Fasana, a participant in the discussions, which will be crucial in defining this new role’s responsibilities.
The election of a chief executive was one of the most contentious elements of Measure G, drawing mixed reactions even from those supportive of the overall governance reform initiative.
Currently, the chief executive role, held by Fesia Davenport, is appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Davenport is responsible for steering the county budget and managing department heads, operating somewhat under the radar but performing essential functions for the county.
With Measure G’s passage, this role transitions to a political one, directly accountable to voters. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who championed the reforms, emphasized that the position will no longer operate in obscurity but rather be answerable to the electorate.
Conversely, Supervisor Kathryn Barger has been wary of this shift, suggesting that it could dilute the power of the supervisors and politicize a function that primarily operates in the background. Supervisor Holly Mitchell echoed similar concerns, along with several employee unions representing county workers.
As the task force begins to navigate these contentious waters, members such as Derek Hsieh, who represents the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, acknowledge previous opposition to Measure G but are now committed to ensuring the new role functions effectively.
The task force must also consider the establishment of checks and balances within this new governance structure. Questions regarding the CEO’s ability to hire and fire department heads, their veto powers, and overall control over budgetary matters are among the crucial issues to be addressed.
Additionally, the topic of term limits for the chief executive has surfaced, as current regulations do not impose any. Sara Sadhwani, a politics professor and task force member, highlighted concerns that the lack of term limits could create an uneven balance of power against the supervisors, who are limited to three four-year terms.
Sadhwani expressed the need for constraints on executive power, stating, “There has to be a healthy friction” to ensure accountability within the new role.
Expecting pushback from county supervisors regarding potential shifts in power, Sadhwani anticipates resistance to any proposals that would diminish their authority.
Transparency advocate Rob Quan has also weighed in, stressing the importance of the task force operating independently and without undue influence from the supervisors. He stated, “What I don’t want to see is these supervisors using their commissioners as gladiators.”
Meanwhile, the dynamics within the Los Angeles city government have not been without their challenges. Recent court hearings have revolved around the city’s settlement agreement with the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights concerning homelessness programs.
With implications that could strip control from Mayor Karen Bass, the proceedings have stirred significant attention, showcasing the high stakes for local officials regarding homelessness, among other pressing issues.
This endeavor comes in light of a climate of scrutiny and challenges facing city leadership amid broader discussions regarding government reforms and local accountability.
As the task force prepares to structure the new chief executive’s role and the newly expanded Board of Supervisors, the evolving landscape promises to shape the future governance of L.A. County.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-05-31/los-angeles-county-will-get-its-own-mayor-but-with-how-much-power
