The Los Angeles City Council Tuesday moved a step closer to establishing an Office of Compliance, with the goal of setting up a dedicated entity to help council members identify potential conflicts of interest and boost transparency.
In a unanimous vote, the council directed the City Clerk and the City Administrative Officer to report on an updated staffing plan and needed resources to establish the office, as well as any potential impacts to the city’s finances. The council also directed the Information Technology Agency, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, to report on digital tools and associated costs for an automated system to help identify potential conflicts and required recusals.
“City and state ethics rules have become increasingly complex, and for good reason. Angelenos deserve transparency and confidence that their representatives’ votes are not influenced by outside interests,” Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who introduced the proposal, said in a statement.
“But as the rules have expanded, our processes haven’t kept up. The city still largely relies on individual council offices to identify potential conflicts themselves. This is about creating a consistent, proactive system that catches conflicts before a vote takes place,” Yaroslavsky added.
A final cost estimate and date for when the office would be operational will be forthcoming in the future. The council’s actions Tuesday are intended to provide a clearer picture of the staffing, technology and funding needed for the Office of Compliance.
Yaroslavsky called for the establishment of the office in 2023, emphasizing the importance of earning and maintaining the trust of residents.
The City Council began a process to amend the City Charter following a leaked racially charged audio recording in 2022. The conversation centered around abusing the redistricting process to coalesce power for themselves.
Four former City Council members faced separate corruption scandals that resulted in federal charges, which contributed to calls for governance reform, transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, Councilman Curren Price, who represents the 9th Council District, is expected to face trial on allegations he misused public funds and failed to disclose financial interests. In August, Price and his attorneys were ordered to return to court Oct. 16 for a status conference. The councilman has vehemently denied the allegations.
“While the City Attorney’s Office provides legal advice on conflicts of interest and other issues, and the Ethics Commission provides advice on ethical and other issues, council members need additional assistance identifying agenda items that might raise conflict of interest questions,” Yaroslavsky’s motion reads.
“Recognizing that state laws surrounding conflicts of interest are often highly complex, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Metro have staff that affirmatively review agendas for conflicts and offer elected officials specialized guidance to avoid them,” the motion reads. “These agencies can serve as a model for the city of Los Angeles, where elected officials are currently left to identify and report their own conflicts of interest without the assistance of a regular agenda screening process.”