Measure LA

City of Los Angeles City Infrastructure, Budget, Finance, and Contracting Charter Amendment

Measure LA would amend the City Charter to establish a capital infrastructure plan and two-year budget cycle for the City; increase the authority of the Director of Public Works and allow for the elimination of or changes to the Board of Public Works; remove restrictions prohibiting the City from engaging in business enterprises and mortgaging City-owned property; and change certain contracting rules and procedures.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure LA will require an estimated $4 million to $6 million in one-time costs to upgrade budget and asset management systems, train staff, and consult with subject matter experts.

Next Los Angeles County Measure: Measure PL

See Endorsements for Measure LA

Pro:

Supporters say that Angelenos see what happens when the City fails to plan ahead. It takes the City years to repave streets, fix sidewalks and streetlights, and address ongoing maintenance, often waiting until problems are harder and more expensive to fix. Measure LA fixes that. It requires Los Angeles to plan ahead. It establishes long-term infrastructure planning so the City can prioritize repairs, address maintenance before problems become more expensive, and move projects forward with clear responsibility for getting the work done.

It also requires two-year budgeting so City leaders consider tomorrow's costs when making decisions today. And it removes outdated Charter restrictions that make it harder for Los Angeles to operate efficiently and make taxpayer dollars go further.

Measure LA will not fix every pothole overnight. But better streets, sidewalks, infrastructure, and City services start with better planning, clearer accountability, and smarter budgeting.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support amending the City Charter for this purpose.

Con:

Opponents say that if approved, Charter Amendment LA would give the City Council the authority to eliminate the Board of Public Works and consolidate its powers under a single individual. The Board was established to provide independent review of City contracting, with decisions made in public meetings subject to California's open meeting laws. Removing this important check and balance would reduce public scrutiny and weaken accountability over billions of tax payer dollars for public projects.

Supporters of this Charter Amendment point to reforms like a Capital Improvement Plan, but that change can be implemented without amending the Charter. Los Angeles needs more transparency, more oversight, and stronger protections against abuse, not fewer safeguards.

A NO vote on this measure means: you do not support the amending of the City Charter for this purpose.

Background

The Los Angeles City Charter (Charter) includes rules for how the City manages its budget, contracting, City-owned property, and the Department of Public Works. Currently, the City is required to adopt a budget each year and is not required to have a capital plan for City infrastructure projects.

Proposal

If approved, Measure LA will amend the City Charter to establish a capital infrastructure plan, shifts the City to a two-year budget cycle, expands the authority of the Director of Public Works, and allows the City to engage in business enterprises, mortgage City property, and modify contracting procedures.

It will also require the City to establish a Capital Infrastructure Plan by ordinance. The ordinance would include the scope, timeframe, funds, and reporting requirements for the CIP. Projects may include constructing or improving City roads, parks, bridges, and buildings.

Source: Los Angeles City Voter Pamphlet

Los Angeles County Election Resources

Los Angeles City Election Resources

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Background

Proposal

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