The Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission recommends expanding the City Council from 15 to 25 seats to improve representation for smaller ethnic groups, with a 9-2 vote in favor.

The proposed CFO role would rename the current city administrative officer and consolidate key financial duties, while supporters insist the controller’s watchdog responsibilities remain intact.

Two additional reform steps would split the city attorney’s duties into an appointed civil litigator and an elected prosecutor for misdemeanors to reduce conflicts of interest and boost accountability.

Public reaction centers on cost and equity concerns, with critics worried about potentially undermining the controller’s independence, while supporters point to improved district representation and professional expertise.

The commission must send its recommendations to the City Council by early April, after which voters will weigh charter changes in November Ballot measures.

The plan also includes ranked-choice voting for municipal elections beginning in 2032 and the creation of a chief financial officer to oversee budget preparation, fiscal policy advice, and revenue forecasting, without diminishing the city controller’s powers.

Population growth since 1925 has increased district sizes; expanding the council would shrink district populations from about 265,000 to roughly 159,000 residents per district.

Support for the expansion comes from several council members and residents who argue that more, smaller districts will foster better neighborhood knowledge and governance.