LA Charter Reform Commission: Disclosure Rules Approved

LA city Council Advances Disclosure Rules for charter Reform Commission

A new ordinance requiring members of the los Angeles Charter Reform Commission to disclose private communications with elected officials and their staff passed unanimously on Tuesday, aiming to increase transparency in the city’s ongoing charter revision process.

The Los Angeles City Council approved the measure on a 12-0 vote, with Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, John Lee, and Curren Price absent. The ordinance seeks to align the charter Reform Commission’s disclosure rules with those governing the city’s Redistricting Commission, as the charter panel nears a critical April 2 deadline to submit recommendations that could reshape Los Angeles City Hall for decades to come.

The vote represents a victory for Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and transparency advocates who have argued for months that the lack of disclosure requirements could allow for undue influence over the charter revision process. Rodriguez initially introduced the measure in August, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines before key proposals are finalized.

“due to the time-sensitivity of when this has come forward, and given the ongoing meetings that are being held by the Charter Reform Commission … I wanted to get this scheduled as quickly as possible,” Rodriguez stated prior to the vote.

The approved amendment clarifies that any violations of the disclosure requirement will be treated as civil violations, addressing concerns previously raised within the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. It also mandates that the City Clerk schedule a final consideration of the ordinance before the City Council no later than January 27, following consultation with the City Attorney’s Office regarding the ordinance’s language.

Did you know? – The Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission was created in 2024 following scandals involving former City Council President Nury Martinez. The commission aims to revise the city charter by April 2.

The Council’s decision follows weeks of public debate surrounding the potential impact of informal, undisclosed conversations between commissioners and city officials on the advancement of charter proposals. Proponents of the ordinance argue that, given the importance of the city charter as Los Angeles’ governing document, the commission’s work demands a higher standard of transparency.

The debate over ex parte communications has also intensified within the Charter Reform Commission itself. During an Ad Hoc Committee meeting on January 17, members of the public voiced concerns about undisclosed interactions between commissioners and elected officials, highlighting the need for transparency as the panel advances major charter proposals.

The full commission is scheduled to address the issue at its meeting on Wednesday, January 21, at Van Nuys City Hall. The agenda includes a motion specifically addressing commissioner ex parte communications,alongside further discussion of recommendations forwarded by the Ad Hoc Committee.

The Charter Reform Commission was established in 2024 in response to a series of scandals that rocked City Hall, including the release of racist audio recordings involving former City council President Nury Martinez. The commission is tasked with reviewing the city charter and submitting proposed changes to the City Council by April 2. City leaders will then determine which recommendations, if any, will be presented to voters as early as November.

Pro tip – “Ex parte” communications refer to private conversations between a decision-maker and a party with an interest in the outcome. Disclosure aims to prevent undue influence.

Why: The Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance to increase transparency in the Charter Reform Commission’s process. Concerns arose that undisclosed communications between commissioners and elected officials could lead to undue influence on charter revisions.

Who: Councilmember Monica Rodriguez spearheaded the effort, supported by transparency advocates. The ordinance impacts members of the Charter Reform Commission and requires them to disclose communications with city officials.

What: The ordinance mandates that Charter Reform Commission members disclose private communications with elected officials and their staff. Violations will be considered civil offenses. The rules align with those governing the city’s Redistricting Commission.

How did it end?: The ordinance passed unanimously (12-0) on Tuesday, January 20, and the City Clerk is scheduled to finalize consideration by January 27, after consulting