Councilwoman Applauds Parks Funding Measure, Opposes Charter Reforms That
Reduce Public Oversight
LOS ANGELES, CA – Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez issued the following statement
regarding the Los Angeles City Council voting to place several Charter Reform measures on the
ballot:
“Today, the City Council voted to place several Charter Reform measures before Los Angeles
voters on the November 2026 ballot. I am proud to have led the measure to double funding for
our parks. If approved by voters, it will provide the sustained investment our parks have needed
for decades and deliver improvements for neighborhoods across Los Angeles.
“Unfortunately, the Council also advanced measures that move our City in the wrong direction
by weakening transparency, accountability, and public participation.
“One proposal would potentially dismantle the Board of Public Works—removing critical
oversight of millions of dollars in contracts and monitored compliance with local hiring
requirements—and consolidate control in the hands of a single individual. Eliminating this public
oversight would remove an important layer of transparency at a time when Angelenos are
demanding more accountability—not less.
“Another proposal provides the Council the authority to reduce the number of times the City
Council is required to meet, limiting opportunities for residents to address their elected
representatives and participate in the public decision-making process. Fewer Council meetings
mean fewer opportunities for public input and less transparency in how City Hall conducts the
people’s business.
“Charter reform was intended to rebuild public trust by making government more open,
accountable, and accessible. These proposals do the opposite. I will always support reforms
that strengthen our city, like investing in our parks, but I cannot support measures that weaken
public oversight or make it harder for Angelenos to hold their government accountable.”