Voters are considering several measures and charter changes that could change the way the city and county of Los Angeles will operate. Here are the proposals for the 2024 ballot.
Amendment HH
This change to the city charter would clarify the roles of certain officials and effect other changes regarding city government. It would expand the city attorney’s subpoena power and allow the city comptroller to conduct financial audits and access records of any entity that receives or manages city funds.
The amendment would also require two members of the Board of Port Commissioners to live in the port area, including one from San Pedro and the other from Wilmington. Those appointed to city boards or commissions would be required to release financial information to the Ethics Commission and City Council before their appointment is confirmed.
Amendment DD
LA’s city charter requires that the boundaries of each council district be reviewed every ten years by an advisory committee that then makes recommendations to the City Council. The final decisions about drawing districts lie in the hands of the council and the mayor.
This measure would create an independent redistricting commission that would make the final decisions – without intervention from the mayor or city council. The commission would act impartially in the redistricting, educate the public about the process, receive and weigh public input, and make recommendations to city officials.
No one who has contributed to the campaign of an elected city official is eligible to serve on the commission. It would include 16 members and four alternates.
Amendment ER
The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission was created in 1990 with voter approval to protect the integrity of city government and elections and to address issues such as campaign finance and lobbying.
This amendment would increase the financial penalties imposed by the commission from $5,000 per violation to $15,000; establish a minimum annual budget for the committee; allow the country to use its own legal counsel for investigations; require the City Council to hold public hearings on the commission’s policy proposals and prevent certain individuals from being appointed as members — including family members of LA elected city officials, paid campaign consultants and major campaign donors.
Amendment II
The proposal aims to amend the city charter by clarifying and updating roles and procedures.
Specifically, Amendment II will clearly classify the El Pueblo Monument and the Los Angeles Zoo as park property. It would also allow the city and its various departments to sell merchandise and food to support their operations. The Airport Commission’s authority to set fees and regulations will also be clarified.
Among other procedural changes, gender identity will be added as one of the non-discrimination rules applicable to employment in city government jobs.
Amendment FF
The measure aims to offer peace officers employed by the Police, Airport, Port and Recreation and Parks departments the opportunity to change their pension plans. Currently, they are currently enrolled in the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System, rather than the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension Plan.
If approved, eligible members could transfer their membership, years of service and pension contributions from LACERS to the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions pension plan, Tier 6. Amendment FF would also require the city to cover all expenses and costs associated with the transfers.
Amendment LL
The measure aims to create an independent commission to change district lines for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. If approved, the commission will redraw the district lines every ten years. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has not received any statements in support of or against Amendment LL.
Provincial measure A
The ballot initiative aims to repeal a previously existing tax, Size Hand replace it with a new half-cent sales tax to raise money for homeless services and affordable housing. It would raise more than $1 billion to fund various programs and services aimed at combating the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles County, according to advocates.
Measure A will also require accountability and results, including audits and supervision, according to the voting text.
Provincial measure E
This proposed ordinance will call for an annual tax of 6 cents per square foot on certain lot improvements or changes to property or land. Measure E will generate $152 million annually for local fire departments, paramedics and 911 communications. The measure requires supervision by independent citizens.
If passed, the ordinance would remain in effect until terminated by voters and would be limited to a 2% annual adjustment. Low-income seniors are exempt from the tax.
Provincial measure G
This initiative to amend the Los Angeles County Charter aims to expand the Board of Supervisors, create two new government entities and increase public financial transparency.
calls for nine seats on the Board of Trustees – nearly doubling the size of the current five positions. Supporters of the measure argue that its implementation is necessary for the board to adequately represent LA County’s population of nearly 10 million people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
In addition to adding seats to the board, the proposal would create an independent ethics commission and a nonpartisan Legislative Analyst — somewhat similar to the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office.
Finally, Measure G would require county departments to present annual budgets at public meetings.
Measure G has divided the current members of the LA County Board of Supervisors, with Supervisors Lindsey Horvath, Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis in support, and Holly Mitchell and Kathryn Barger in opposition.
For more information on other races in this election, visit the CBS News Los Angeles Voter Guide.
