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ELECTION 2024 - In a decisive vote, Los Angeles residents have passed Measure G, a groundbreaking initiative that will expand the size of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 and a county CEO would become an elected position by 2028. The approval marks a significant shift in local governance, aiming to increase representation and address concerns over the board’s ability to effectively manage the county’s growing population and complex issues, including housing and homelessness.
A Major Change in Local Governance
Measure G will increase the number of seats on the Board of Supervisors from five to seven members, a move designed to provide greater representation for the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. The current five-member board has long been criticized for representing too many constituents per supervisor, limiting direct access and responsiveness to local needs.
“With this expansion, we are bringing democracy closer to the people,” said a spokesperson for the Measure G campaign. “This change is about ensuring that every community has a voice at the table, especially those who have felt underrepresented in county decisions for far too long.”
Why Expand the Board of Supervisors?
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors governs the largest county in the United States, managing a budget of over $40 billion and overseeing critical services, including public health, social services, and law enforcement. For decades, each supervisor has represented an average of 2 million residents, far more than most elected officials in similar roles nationwide.
Supporters of Measure G argued that increasing the board’s size would:
- Improve Representation: Smaller districts will allow supervisors to focus more on the unique needs of their communities, particularly marginalized and underserved populations.
- Enhance Accountability: With more voices on the board, there is a better chance for diverse perspectives and increased scrutiny of county decisions.
- Streamline Decision-Making: The expanded board aims to distribute the workload more evenly, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to pressing issues like homelessness, public safety, and healthcare.
Addressing the Housing and Homelessness Crisis
While the board expansion is the central feature of Measure G, the measure also includes provisions for increased funding towards affordable housing projects and homeless services. This aligns with the broader goals of providing better oversight and resource allocation to tackle Los Angeles’s housing crisis.
“With an expanded board, we can now better address the complexities of the homelessness issue,” said a county official. “The current system has been overwhelmed, and this change gives us a chance to be more strategic and responsive.”
Public Support and Political Backing
The push for Measure G was backed by Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath and Supervisor Janice Hahn who co-authored the measure, plus a coalition of civic leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups who have long argued that the current board structure was outdated and inadequate for the size and diversity of Los Angeles County.
“This vote shows that the people of Los Angeles are ready for a new era of governance,” said an advocate for Measure G. “Expanding the board is a necessary step towards ensuring every community has a fair say in how resources are allocated and how decisions are made.”
Challenges Ahead
While the measure’s passage is seen as a positive step, implementing the changes will present challenges. Redrawing district lines to accommodate two new supervisors will be a complex process requiring input from diverse communities to ensure fairness and prevent gerrymandering.
Additionally, some critics have voiced concerns that increasing the board size could lead to more political gridlock. However, supporters argue that the benefits of improved representation far outweigh the potential drawbacks.
What Happens Next?
With Measure G’s approval, the process of expanding the Board of Supervisors will begin immediately. A redistricting commission will be tasked with redrawing district boundaries, with new elections for the additional seats expected to take place in the next election cycle.
As Los Angeles moves forward with this significant change, all eyes will be on the newly expanded board to see how it navigates the complex landscape of county governance and tackles critical issues like housing affordability, public safety, and social services.
A New Chapter for Los Angeles County
The passage of Measure G marks a historic shift for Los Angeles, promising a more inclusive and responsive local government structure. By expanding the Board of Supervisors, voters have chosen a path towards greater representation, transparency, and accountability.
For residents who have felt underserved by the current system, this change offers hope for a future where their voices are heard and their needs are met more effectively.
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