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Haynes Perspectives

Informed Analysis on Local Governance Reform

Here’s an updated collection of essays and commentary from subject matter experts offering thoughtful analysis of LA City and County governance reform. This section brings together informed viewpoints on the policies, challenges, and opportunities shaping how local government serves the region.

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Measure J-Versus-G Fiasco Heads to Court

2026–27 Haynes Fellow Robert Greene covers the lawsuit that would preserve a mistakenly repealed Los Angeles County charter amendment.
June 11, 2026
COMMENTARY

Supervisors Move Forward on Ethics Commission Amid Debate Over Role of Sheriff, D.A.

Robert Greene on the approved plan to create an Ethics Commission and debate around the panel’s independence.
May 26, 2026
COMMENTARY

Supervisors to Take Up Ethics Proposal; Task Force Frustrated in Quest for Independent Counsel

Robert Greene on the proposed new seven-member LA County Ethics Commission and next steps if adopted.
May 14, 2026
COMMENTARY

Ethics Reform Effort Spotlights County Dysfunction, Shortens Tempers

Robert Greene explores frustrations around a missed voter-imposed deadline to establish an Ethics Commission.
April 16, 2026
COMMENTARY

LA City’s Charter Commission Makes Its Recommendations: Five Things to Keep Our Eyes On

Dr. Raphe Sonenshein examines the LA Charter Reform Commission’s recommendations to the City Council.
March 30, 2026
COMMENTARY

The 100th Anniversary of the Los Angeles City Charter Holds Lessons for Today’s LA

Dr. Sonenshein on what we can learn from an LA city charter passed by voters in 1925.
May 2024
ESSAY

LA County Reform: A Cow County No More

A brief history of Measure G reform by Dr. Sonenshein.
July 2024
ESSAY

To Serve Seven Million

The final report from the nongovernmental Public Commission on Los Angeles County Government, authored in 1976.
February 1976
REPORT
For 100 years, the Haynes Foundation has been a catalyst for meaningful change across the Los Angeles region—advancing practical ways to strengthen how government serves the public.