Local councils given new power
The City Council offered the city’s network of neighborhood councils new power to propose legislation Tuesday -- but only if each of their members fills out conflict-of-interest forms describing their income, real estate holdings and stock market investments.
Under the two-year pilot program, each of the city’s 89 neighborhood councils will be allowed to introduce three “council files” -- documents sent to the City Council for review and possibly a vote -- per year.
The council approved the program despite fierce opposition from business groups, who said many neighborhood councils are too dysfunctional to be allowed more sway over city policy.
Neighborhood council members argued that dysfunction existed in city government long before they arrived.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
