ONE BIG THING: NONCITIZEN VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS
What Happened?
This week, we introduced a motion to begin the process of placing a charter amendment before voters that would allow the City of Los Angeles to consider noncitizen voting in local elections.
The proposal would not be implemented immediately. Instead, it would give the City Council and Mayor the authority to develop a program in the future through an ordinance — ensuring any policy is carefully designed, includes strong safeguards, and can withstand legal challenges.
Why it Matters
This is about making sure all Angelenos have a voice in how our city is run.
Other cities, including San Francisco, have already taken steps to address this gap by allowing forms of noncitizen voting in local elections.
After my parents immigrated here from Mexico, they worked hard, paid taxes, and raised their kids in our public schools — but for decades, they had no say in the decisions shaping their community until they became citizens. That story is shared by hundreds of thousands of Angelenos who deserve a voice in our local government.
What’s Next
There’s still a very long path until this could potentially get implemented in LA. Here’s what would need to happen:
Click here to view the motion and submit online public comment!
Two More Quick Hits!
- Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Improvements Begin!
The long-awaited Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Improvement Project is underway!
Construction will take place over the next 5-6 years so that the bridge can remain open throughout. The improvement project includes:
- Seismic retrofitting of the bridge
- Widening the bridge to make sidewalks ADA accessible
- Connections to the LA RiverWay walking and biking path
- Realignment of I-5 northbound off-ramp
Thank you to all the residents who joined us at the groundbreaking, attended town halls, or advocated for this project along the way. For updates and more information visit engineering.lacity.gov!
2. Lower School Zone Speed Limits
This week, City Council approved a measure to establish 15 mph speed limits in all school zones across Los Angeles when children are present.
Traffic violence is the leading cause of death for school-aged children in Los Angeles, and 56% of severe crashes occur within a quarter mile of a school. Despite this, many school zones still have higher speed limits and lack clear safety measures.
This action will implement 15 mph limits on hundreds of street segments near more than 200 schools citywide, helping slow traffic, improve safety, and better protect students, families, and caregivers traveling to and from school.