Supervisor Mitchell’s Statement on Improving Los Angeles County Board Governance Structure to Strengthen Equity and Transparency

“It is our responsibility to proactively review our governance model to learn where we have room to improve transparency and strengthen the public’s ability to access and inform what is happening with their local government This was the impetus for my motion calling for an independent external committee to return with recommendations on how the Board can update its processes, including its policy and budget development procedures.

“Despite the motion not passing today, the problem it highlighted and the opportunity it presented does not go away. We hear every day from constituents that find the County processes inaccessible. I believe that an equitable policymaking process does not need to be in conflict with an efficient and effective government. In fact, it is when we take the time to have a thoughtful review of how we create policies and examine who really gets to weigh-in on these policies that impact the lives of millions – that is when we make better and more transformative decisions that directly address the root causes of challenges we face.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to identify where the County can improve how we develop policy, invite public participation, and lead with equity from within so we can best serve those who we have the privilege of representing.”