September 18, 2017 •
Los Angeles Ethics Commission Looking to Amend Lobbying Ordinances
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has recommended multiple changes to the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance. These changes include increasing the registration threshold from $2,000 to $5,000; expanding the 501(c)(3) organization exemption; amending and adding definitions regarding lobbying; expanding gift restrictions; revising […]
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has recommended multiple changes to the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance.
These changes include increasing the registration threshold from $2,000 to $5,000; expanding the 501(c)(3) organization exemption; amending and adding definitions regarding lobbying; expanding gift restrictions; revising registration statements, deadlines, and fees; creating a bimonthly reporting calendar instead of quarterly; and increasing civil penalties for violations of lobbying laws.
The next commission meeting is on October 17, and comments regarding the proposal can be emailed to ethics.policy@lacity.org.
August 11, 2017 •
Los Angeles City Council Seeking Disclosure Ordinance for Contractors Working on Border Wall
The Los Angeles City Council voted to draft a law that would require contractors doing business with the city to disclose whether they have any contracts connected with the proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States. The current […]
The Los Angeles City Council voted to draft a law that would require contractors doing business with the city to disclose whether they have any contracts connected with the proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States.
The current proposal would not ban companies working on the wall from doing business with Los Angeles, but many council members said it would be a factor they could consider when voting on city contracts.
The City Council voted 13-0 to have city attorneys draft the ordinance. Once drafting is complete, the council will consider the ordinance for approval.
January 17, 2017 •
Los Angeles Addresses Political Contributions from Real Estate Developers
Five City Council members recently asked the Los Angeles Ethics Commission to address the issue of real estate developers making political contributions. Developers can appear to be benefiting when elected officials they’ve supported grant them land-use perks such as zoning […]
Five City Council members recently asked the Los Angeles Ethics Commission to address the issue of real estate developers making political contributions.
Developers can appear to be benefiting when elected officials they’ve supported grant them land-use perks such as zoning exemptions.
This campaign finance reform initiative focuses on restricting donations specifically from developers, contractors, and subcontractors whose projects are being reviewed by the city.
December 7, 2016 •
Los Angeles County Sets Special Election
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to hold a special election March 7, 2017, for voters to consider a quarter-cent sales tax to fund efforts to reduce homelessness. It has yet to be officially announced, but […]
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a plan to hold a special election March 7, 2017, for voters to consider a quarter-cent sales tax to fund efforts to reduce homelessness.
It has yet to be officially announced, but other city and district elections might be consolidated on the March 7 countywide ballot. A consolidated election would allow the county to split the election costs with the other involved jurisdictions.
August 17, 2016 •
Los Angeles, CA City Councilman to Resign Early
City Councilman Felipe Fuentes will resign on September 11, nearly 10 months before his term ends, to become a lobbyist with the Apex Group in Sacramento. In his new role, Fuentes will advocate for Associated General Contractors of California, a […]
City Councilman Felipe Fuentes will resign on September 11, nearly 10 months before his term ends, to become a lobbyist with the Apex Group in Sacramento.
In his new role, Fuentes will advocate for Associated General Contractors of California, a statewide trade association.
The council could call for a special election to fill his seat, but the 2017 city election schedule makes the scenario unlikely. The municipal election is already scheduled for March; if no candidate receives a majority in the March election, a May runoff will be held.
July 27, 2016 •
Los Angeles, CA Ethics Commission to Consider Changes to Lobbying Laws
The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission announced it will begin a full review of the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance at the next commission meeting on August 9, 2016. The commission plans to focus the review on possible amendments to key definitions […]
The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission announced it will begin a full review of the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance at the next commission meeting on August 9, 2016.
The commission plans to focus the review on possible amendments to key definitions in the ordinance.
Comments and suggestions from the public regarding the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance can be sent to the commission via email to ethics.policy@lacity.org.
September 25, 2015 •
Los Angeles Councilman Looking to Ban Businesses, Union, and Group Contributions
City Councilman David Ryu is working to keep his campaign promise of shaking up the status quo at city hall. He has sent a letter to the city Ethics Commission requesting they look into the possibility of banning contributions to […]
City Councilman David Ryu is working to keep his campaign promise of shaking up the status quo at city hall.
He has sent a letter to the city Ethics Commission requesting they look into the possibility of banning contributions to candidates by businesses, labor unions, and other groups.
He had planned to introduce legislation to accomplish this change; however, when no other council member would sign onto the legislation, Ryu turned to the Ethics Commission, asking them to explore ways to achieve such a ban.
While reform groups support such a ban, critics of the proposal fear it will lead to legal challenges and drive more money to independent expenditure groups.
August 24, 2015 •
Input on Los Angeles Lobbying Ordinance Sought
In September, the Los Angeles, California’s Ethics Commission will be soliciting public comment on the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance. Meetings for interested persons will be held at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. on September 9 and 2:00 p.m. on September 17. […]
In September, the Los Angeles, California’s Ethics Commission will be soliciting public comment on the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance. Meetings for interested persons will be held at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. on September 9 and 2:00 p.m. on September 17. The commission is requesting interested persons to sign up for the meetings by email at ethics.policy@lacity.org by September 4.
March 5, 2015 •
Los Angeles, California Voters Approve Incumbents and Amendments
City Council incumbents and Charter amendments fared well in this year’s March city elections. Five incumbent City Council members retained their seats by receiving over 50 percent of the vote, but a May runoff will be necessary in the 4th […]
City Council incumbents and Charter amendments fared well in this year’s March city elections.
Five incumbent City Council members retained their seats by receiving over 50 percent of the vote, but a May runoff will be necessary in the 4th District to replace termed-out Councilman Tom LaBonge.
Voters passed Charter amendments intended to increase voter turnout by moving city and school board elections to even-numbered years when presidential and gubernatorial races are held, beginning in 2020.
Photo of the Los Angeles skyline by Nserrano on Wikimedia Commons.
April 21, 2014 •
After McCutcheon, Los Angeles Aggregate Contribution Limits No Longer Enforced
In light of the United States Supreme Court ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission announced it would no longer enforce the aggregate limits on contributions to city and school board candidates. Limits on contributions to individual […]
In light of the United States Supreme Court ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC, the Los Angeles Ethics Commission announced it would no longer enforce the aggregate limits on contributions to city and school board candidates.
Limits on contributions to individual candidates remain in place.
Photo of the Los Angeles skyline by Nserrano on Wikimedia Commons.
September 14, 2012 •
Los Angeles City Council Approves Campaign Finance Reforms
Contribution limits to rise
City Council has approved campaign reform measures for candidates and political committees. The new ordinance raises contribution limits to candidate campaigns from $500 to $700 in council races and from $1,000 to $1,300 in citywide races.
Beginning in 2015, public matching funds will be given for donations raised only within city limits. To be eligible for the city money, candidates will have to collect contributions from at least 200 people living in the district they hope to represent.
Beginning next year, candidates will also be eligible for increased matching funds, including four public dollars for every dollar contributed during the general election and two dollars for every dollar contributed during the primary. Donors will also be able to give to campaigns via text message.
The ordinance is scheduled for a final vote next week.
Photo of Los Angeles by Bobak on Wikipedia.
March 9, 2012 •
Los Angeles City Ethics Commission Passes Adjusted Contribution Limits
Increased limits effective immediately
The Los Angeles City Ethics Commission voted Thursday to raise campaign contribution limits for candidates in the upcoming municipal election. Candidates for city council may accept $700 per donor per election cycle, up from a $500 limit. Candidates for citywide offices including mayor, city attorney, and city controller may accept $1,300, up from $1,000.
The new limits go into effect immediately, giving candidates in the March 2013 election the opportunity to contact donors who have already reached the old contribution maximums.
Critics of the new limits believe the commission is tipping the scales in favor of well-connected incumbents who have historically met the contribution threshold more often than their challengers.
August 18, 2011 •
Los Angeles City Council Delays Implementation of Measure H
Voter Approved Campaign Finance Reform Delayed
Implementation of Measure H, a campaign finance reform approved by voters earlier this year, has been delayed by the Los Angeles City Council.
Measure H bans campaign contributions from contractors to elected officials responsible for reviewing proposals for city work valued at $100,000 or more.
Photo of the Los Angeles by BRION Vibber on Wikipedia and the Seal of Los Angeles by Mysid on Wikipedia.
July 26, 2011 •
Los Angeles County to Consider Campaign Finance Amendments
Campaign Finance Amendments to be Introduced
Amendments to the Los Angeles County campaign finance laws are expected to be introduced at the July 26, 2011 meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
The current campaign finance ordinance prohibits PACs and political parties from making contributions to county candidates and prohibits inter- and intra-candidate transfers of funds.
The proposed campaign finance amendments would increase individual campaign contribution limits as well as permit contributions from PACs and political parties.
Under the proposed amendments, inter-candidate transfers would be treated as individual contributions.
Intra-candidate transfers between a prior and current campaign account would be permissible and subject to regulatory measures.
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