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Want to reshape LA city government? Here’s how you can help
L.A. City Hall in downtown Los Angeles on April 21.
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Carlin Stiehl
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Getty Images
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Los Angeles is working on its first major overhaul of the city’s charter — the document that acts as the city’s constitution for how government is run — in more than 25 years. Now there’s a new way residents can get involved. Applications are open for Angelenos who want to be a part of an upcoming mini civic assembly on charter reform.
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The details
The L.A. Charter Reform Commission, a civilian board with 13 appointed commissioners, recently endorsed these mini assemblies and pledged to hear their recommendations at commission meetings. This group selected from the applications will come up with a set of suggestions for updating the rules on how L.A. is run and present them to the commission for consideration.
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A mock civic assembly taking place in Culver City on June 7.
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Brianna Lee
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LAist
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What’s a civic assembly?
It’s a process by which a small group of residents get together and work out solutions to thorny community problems . Think of it as an intensive, in-person group project. Members are chosen by lottery but also selected to be demographically representative by factors like age, race or geography.
When is the assembly and how do I apply?
The first mini assembly, organized by a coalition called Rewrite LA , takes place Dec. 13 at the Institute of Contemporary Art in downtown L.A. Forty people will be selected, and this session will focus on one specific topic related to charter reform. If you’re interested, apply on Rewrite LA’s website by Tuesday .
How else can I weigh in on charter reform if I don’t get picked?
There are more assemblies planned for 2026. In the meantime, Rewrite LA is asking residents to share their thoughts here for what the assembly should address and how the city should be run. You also can give public comment at upcoming Charter Reform Commission meetings or submit written comments at ReformLAcharter@lacity.org .
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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