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ELECTION 2024 - Understanding the Role of the L.A. City Council
The Los Angeles City Council is a powerful legislative body, with each of the 15 council members representing around 260,000 residents in specific geographic areas. It plays a crucial role in the city's financial decisions, including budget adjustments and allocations, and has a say in the Mayor's appointments. With nearly 50,000 city employees across more than 40 departments, the Council's fiscal decisions are impactful, particularly with a city budget close to $12 billion. The Council operates through regular meetings and specialized committees that address various city concerns, from transportation to public health and safety.
The Power of Few
Despite its small size, with fewer members than councils in other major cities like New York and Chicago, the L.A. City Council is considered one of the most influential in the U.S., with calls from some quarters to expand it to better reflect the growing population.
The 2024 Elections
This election cycle, eight council seats are in contention. Redistricting based on the 2020 Census means you might be voting in a new district.
The Council's Responsibilities
Council members have duties including:
• Crafting local ordinances
• Overseeing elections
• Regulating city taxes
• Authorizing public improvements
• Approving contracts
• Implementing traffic regulations
They also have a say in the city's budget, which is nearly $12 billion for FY 2022-23.
Beyond Their Jurisdiction
The City Council does not oversee the Los Angeles Unified School District, county-level social services, or unincorporated county areas.
Council Operations
The council adheres to specific rules and structures, including committees that address various city concerns. Members serve four-year terms, with a current salary of about $224,000 per year.
The Impact on The Community
Council decisions can significantly influence local concerns, such as transportation safety and homelessness.
Key Issues for the Next Term
• LAPD budget and policing
• Addressing homelessness
• Housing development
• Traffic and mobility
• Government reform
Who's on the 2024 Ballot
District 2
• Marin Ghandilyan
• Manny Gonez
• Jillian Burgos
• Jon-Paul Bird
• Adrin Nazarian
• Sam Kbushyan
• Rudy Melendez
District 4
• Levon 'Lev' Baronian
• Ethan Weaver
• Nithya Raman (Incumbent)
District 6
• Ely De La Cruz Ayao
• Imelda Padilla (Incumbent)
• Carmenlina Minasova
District 8
• Marqueece Harris-Dawson (Incumbent)
• Jahan Epps
• Cliff Smith
District 10
• Heather Hutt (Incumbent)
• Eddie Anderson
• Reggie Jones-Sawyer
• Aura Vásquez
• Grace Yoo
District 12
• John S. Lee (Incumbent)
• Serena Oberstein
District 14
• Genny Guerrero
• Teresa Y. Hillery
• Ysabel Jurado
• Wendy Carrillo
• Eduardo 'Lalo' Vargas
• Miguel Santiago
• Kevin De León (Incumbent)
• Nadine M. Diaz
Your Voice Matters
The decisions made by the L.A. City Council have real-life implications for the communities they serve. Participate in the democratic process by voting on March 5th and stay informed with coverage on CityWatchLA. Your engagement is pivotal in shaping the future of Los Angeles.
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