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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 orders will go into effect 11 a.m. Tuesday.
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.
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.
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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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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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