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LA CHARTER REFORM - Los Angeles stands at a crossroads. After years of corruption scandals, policy failures, and growing public cynicism, the city’s Charter Reform process represents more than a bureaucratic exercise—it’s a test of whether LA can rebuild public trust in its own government.
At the center of this effort is Raymond Meza, Chair of the Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission. A longtime labor and community leader, Meza now oversees the independent body tasked with examining how the city governs itself—and how it must evolve to meet the needs of a 21st century metropolis.
“The Charter is like the city’s constitution,” Meza explains. “It defines how power is distributed, how decisions are made, and ultimately how accountable our leaders are to the people.”
WHAT CHARTER REFORM MEANS
The Los Angeles City Charter shapes everything from who makes the rules to how public services are delivered. But as the city has grown to nearly four million residents, its governing structure has failed to keep pace. Many say it’s too centralized, too opaque, and too disconnected from everyday Angelenos.
That’s why Meza and the commission have launched a comprehensive review—what he calls “a once in a generation opportunity to fix what’s broken.”
Among the top priorities: expanding the City Council, strengthening neighborhood councils, and enforcing transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
“The system works for too few people,” Meza says. “If residents don’t see results on their streets—clean parks, working lights, responsive government—then reform has failed.”
A System Built for a Smaller City
The current Charter no longer fits the city it governs. It was built for a Los Angeles that no longer exists — smaller, less diverse, less complex. Today, power is concentrated, decisions are slow, and accountability is scattered.
That’s why Mesa’s commission is so critical. For the first time in a generation, Los Angeles is asking itself hard questions: Who should make decisions for a city of four million people? How do we make government responsive instead of reactive? And how do we ensure transparency isn’t just a talking point but a daily practice?
Representation and Council Size - That Works
One key debate is whether to expand the City Council. Los Angeles has just 15 councilmembers — fewer than nearly every major city in America. Each one represents about 260,000 residents. That’s not representation; that’s gridlock.
Mesa says the Commission is weighing the idea carefully, studying both the benefits and the risks. But he’s clear: Los Angeles can’t keep pretending that 15 politicians can speak for an entire metropolis. More seats mean more voices — and more accountability.
Another promising idea: requiring the city to adopt a five-year capital improvement plan. For decades, residents have been left guessing where their tax dollars go. A long-term, transparent plan for infrastructure would finally let the public see how and when their communities will benefit — something Los Angeles desperately needs.
Mesa put it plainly: “The buck needs to stop somewhere. Right now, it’s not clear who’s responsible — and that’s how accountability gets lost.”
Ethics and Transparency
After a string of high-profile corruption cases at City Hall, Meza believes this process must be different. “We can’t paper over broken systems with cosmetic fixes,” he warns. “Structural change is the only way to rebuild faith.”
Neighborhood Empowerment
The city’s Neighborhood Council system was supposed to bring government closer to the people. Instead, it has too often been ignored, underfunded, or treated as a nuisance. Mesa acknowledges this imbalance and says the Commission is examining how to give Neighborhood Councils real power — not just advisory roles that can be brushed aside.
That change is long overdue. For too long, communities have been shut out of decisions that shape their lives — from housing to zoning to public safety. Real reform means giving neighborhoods authority, not token gestures.
A Reform Process That Must Prove Itself
Despite Mesa’s leadership, the Commission faces skepticism. Some commissioners have already voiced frustration about the pace and transparency of the process. In a recent LAist interview, one described the work as being “still at square one.”
Mesa insists the Commission is independent and committed to its mission — but perception matters. City Hall’s history doesn’t help. Angelenos have seen too many commissions come and go, too many promises fade into political dust. If this process turns into another insider exercise, public faith — already near empty — could vanish completely.
A Rare Chance in a Century
Only three Charter Reform Commissions have existed in the last 120 years. Mesa calls this one a “historic opportunity” — and he’s right. Los Angeles might not get another chance like this for decades.
If the Commission delivers bold, clear reforms — and if City Hall lets voters decide — Los Angeles could finally confront its structural flaws. But if it fails, the message to every Angeleno will be unmistakable: the system cannot or will not change itself.
Exclusive to CityWatch
An interview with Raymond Meza conducted by Mihran Kalaydjian.
The People Must Lead
The Charter Reform Commission will submit its recommendations to the City Council in April 2026. The Council must then decide by June 2026 what measures go on the November ballot. That gives the public a narrow window to pay attention, get involved, and demand real reform.
Mesa’s message is simple but powerful: “This is for every single Angeleno.”
He’s right. Whether you’re frustrated about crumbling streets, unaffordable housing, or unresponsive leadership — this process is your chance to make City Hall listen.
Visit reformlacharter.lacity.gov, attend a meeting, and use your voice. The city’s structure belongs to its residents, not to the politicians who benefit from keeping things as they are.
The Bottom Line
Los Angeles is at a breaking point. Charter reform is not a technical exercise — it’s a moral one. It asks whether we still believe in a government that serves the people, or whether we’ve given up on that idea altogether.
Mesa and the Commission are offering a path forward. But they can’t rebuild trust alone. That work belongs to all of us — voters, residents, and neighborhoods willing to speak out and stay engaged.
If Los Angeles gets this right, we can create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive government worthy of the people it serves. If we fail, we’ll be right back where we started — with potholes unfilled, voices unheard, and promises unkept.
This isn’t just another reform effort. It’s Los Angeles’ last chance to restore public trust.
(Mihran Kalaydjian is a seasoned public affairs and government relations professional with more than twenty years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, community relations, and strategic communications. A respected civic leader and education advocate, he has spearheaded numerous academic and community initiatives, shaping dialogue and driving reform in local and regional political forums. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service across Los Angeles and beyond.)
