The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance an ordinance requiring members of the Charter Reform Commission to disclose private communications with elected officials or their staff. The move is intended to address concerns about undue influence as the commission develops recommendations that could reshape city governance.
Transparency Measure Advances
The ordinance passed on a 12-0 vote, with Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, John Lee, and Curren Price absent. It would align the Charter Reform Commission’s disclosure rules with those governing the city’s Redistricting Commission. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez introduced the measure in August, citing the need for transparency before key charter proposals are finalized.
Rodriguez stated the amendment was designed to expedite the process, given the commission’s April 2 deadline to submit recommendations to the City Council. The amendment clarifies that violations would be considered civil offenses and directs the City Clerk to schedule a final Council vote on the ordinance no later than January 27, after review by the City Attorney’s Office.
Debate Over ‘Ex Parte’ Communications
The Council’s action follows weeks of debate regarding informal, undisclosed conversations between commissioners and elected officials. Supporters argue that, as the city charter functions as Los Angeles’ governing document, the commission’s work requires heightened disclosure. Concerns about these “ex parte” communications have also been raised by members of the public during recent Charter Reform Commission meetings.
The Charter Reform Commission is scheduled to address the issue of commissioner ex parte communications at its full meeting on Wednesday, January 21, at Van Nuys City Hall. The meeting agenda includes a motion related to these communications, as well as discussion of recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Charter Reform Commission tasked with doing?
The Charter Reform Commission is tasked with reviewing the city charter and submitting proposed changes to the City Council by April 2. City leaders will then decide which recommendations, if any, advance to voters as early as November.
When could the City Council finalize the ordinance regarding disclosure?
The City Clerk is directed to place the ordinance on a City Council agenda for final consideration no later than January 27, following coordination with the City Attorney’s Office.
What prompted the creation of the Charter Reform Commission?
The Charter Reform Commission was created in 2024 in response to a series of City Hall scandals, including the leak of racist audio recordings involving former City Council President Nury Martinez.
As the Charter Reform Commission continues its work, will increased transparency lead to broader public trust in the process?
