Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission Approves Preamble Language

In a historic moment for participatory democracy, the Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission voted unanimously to approve a new Charter Preamble generated by its residents. The preamble language was developed directly from recommendations generated by 36 Angelenos at a January mini-assembly organized by Public Democracy Los Angeles.

The delegates—randomly selected by public lottery to reflect the demographic diversity of Los Angeles—gathered at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo for seven hours of deliberation, working with expert testimony and examples of preambles from cities around the world. They defined what values should guide Los Angeles’s foundational governing document. After the assembly, a group of delegates further refined the document into a set of 10 recommendations, which were presented to and accepted by the Commission. Carla Fuentes then developed the recommendations into formal preamble language, which the Commission approved by unanimous vote on March 19, 2026.

The final amended Preamble states:

PREAMBLE OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

We, the people of Los Angeles, affirm that our city is rooted in a legacy of cultural richness, resilience, and shared hope. From the lands of Indigenous peoples to the dreams of generations who came seeking freedom, opportunity, and justice, Los Angeles is shaped by diversity, inclusion, and the strength of its many voices, lived experiences, and bold imaginations.

We envision a city where every individual is seen, heard, and valued; where equity is not merely an aspiration but a daily practice; and where government is transparent, accountable, and grounded in the dignity of all its residents. We affirm that equitable access to information, services, and civic participation across the cultures and languages of its residents is fundamental to governance. We further affirm the importance of compassion, fairness, due process, and support for all residents, regardless of immigration status. We commit to confronting and repairing past and present injustices, healing historical harms, and building more equitable systems that uplift the well-being of all Angelenos.

We commit to fostering the conditions for every person to thrive in safe, healthy, and sustainable communities; to access affordable housing, quality education, meaningful work, and clean air and water; and to shape the civic life of our city. We recognize that the future of Los Angeles depends on our collective resolve to foster belonging, economic and racial justice, environmental stewardship, and civic empowerment.

With these principles, we lay the foundation for a government that is both compassionate and courageous—a city united in purpose and resolve.

With this Charter, we renew our commitment to justice, fairness, stewardship, and shared civic responsibility. We dedicate ourselves to building a Los Angeles that grows more inclusive, more responsive, more accountable, and more worthy of the people it serves, for this generation and those to come.

Why This Moment Matters

For decades, charter reform in Los Angeles has taken place behind closed doors, shaped by special interests and political motivations. Now, for the first time in Los Angeles history, residents chosen by lot have directly shaped charter language, and the Commission has adopted their recommendations. The Commission's unanimous approval sends a clear message: when residents are given time, information, and genuine voice in decisions, their judgment is worthy of trust.

What Comes Next

The preamble, along with the rest of the charter reform commission’s recommendations, will be reviewed by the Mayor and City Council this Spring. They have a deadline to approve, modify, or reject these recommendations by July. The approved preamble and other amendments to the Charter will be on the ballot this November for voters to decide the future of Los Angeles.