EXPEDITED ON-LINE PROPOSAL: Sign-on letter to support Civic Assemblies

EXPEDITED ON-LINE PROPOSAL: Sign-on letter to support Civic Assemblies
Vote Posted October 6, 2025, Vote Concluded October 7, 2025

Background: Our GPUS platform calls for supporting civic assemblies (previously called citizen assemblies)

This group in LA - Public Democratic Los Angeles - is promoting their use to the LA Charter Commission this Wednesday

My fault for not getting this out earlier.

Please vote YES to have the GPLAC sign-on, NO to not sign-on or ABSTAIN

thanks

Mike

YES (3): Feinstein, Goeke, Pittman
NO (0):
ABSTAIN (0):
NOT VOTING: Barnett, Drew, Kermani, Rai

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xQBlnjZtMo1AsX7poaMtR_9RGOMenREnBuii...

October 8, 2025
Dear Commissioners,

We recognize the tremendous responsibility you carry in leading Los Angeles through this charter reform process. It is no small task to consider how the city should be governed for decades to come, and we appreciate the thoughtful efforts you have already made to engage the public in shaping this work.

At the same time, Los Angeles is at a crossroads. The city is confronting pressing challenges such as immigration enforcement, climate change, a budget deficit, crumbling infrastructure, the shrinking of the entertainment industry, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. These dynamics make this an especially important moment to ensure the charter not only reflects technical reforms, but also embodies the will and wisdom of the people of Los Angeles.

Civic assemblies provide a proven tool to do exactly that. Around the world, assemblies have brought diverse residents together to deliberate with balanced information and craft practical recommendations on issues where traditional politics has struggled. These would be gatherings of everyday people, randomly selected to reflect the community, who learn, deliberate, and make recommendations to ensure charter reform reflects the voices of all Angelenos.

To make this possible, we propose a two-phase process, with both phases fully funded through private grants, and only requiring minimal in-kind support from the Commission.

Phase 1: Mini-Assemblies (~October – December 2025). These 1–2 day events will bring community members together to deliberate on key charter issues. Their results will directly inform Commission deliberations before the December votes.
Phase 2: Full Civic Assembly (~January – April 2026). Planning for the citywide assembly will take place this fall, with the assembly itself convening in early 2026. During the assembly, a representative group of Angelenos will work alongside the commission, reviewing and refining recommendations, and ensuring they are tested with the public before going to City Council.

We respectfully urge the Commission to:

Endorse the proposed mini-assemblies and full civic assembly by publicly affirming support, encouraging broad public participation, and committing to consider the recommendations as part of the charter reform process.

Provide logistical support for the assemblies by helping identify priority topics, offering venues and Spanish translation when possible, permitting the use of the Commission’s name and logo on public communications, and issuing a formal response to the recommendations.

By supporting civic assemblies, the Commission can not only strengthen the legitimacy of charter reform, but also set a model for how Los Angeles can put people at the center of governance.

Organizers
Healthy Democracy
Public Democracy Los Angeles (PDLA)
Nick Goddard
Joe Mathews

Signed by the following Organizations
Better Together America
GoodGov LA
Los Angeles County Alliance of Braver Angels
MetaGov
Mediators Foundation
Urban Rural Action
Wellbeing Economy Alliance CA