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 [ POLITICS ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=396)

#  A Friendly Guide to the Los Angeles City Council Race: Election 2024 Edition

Written by CityWatchLA.

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February 12 2024

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ELECTION 2024 - Understanding the Role of the L.A. City Council

The Los Angeles City Council is a powerful legislative body, with each of the 15 council members representing around 260,000 residents in specific geographic areas. It plays a crucial role in the city's financial decisions, including budget adjustments and allocations, and has a say in the Mayor's appointments. With nearly 50,000 city employees across more than 40 departments, the Council's fiscal decisions are impactful, particularly with a city budget close to $12 billion. The Council operates through regular meetings and specialized committees that address various city concerns, from transportation to public health and safety.

*The Power of Few*

Despite its small size, with fewer members than councils in other major cities like New York and Chicago, the L.A. City Council is considered one of the most influential in the U.S., with calls from some quarters to expand it to better reflect the growing population.

*The 2024 Elections*

This election cycle, eight council seats are in contention. Redistricting based on the 2020 Census means you might be voting in a new district.

*The Council's Responsibilities*

Council members have duties including:

• Crafting local ordinances

• Overseeing elections

• Regulating city taxes

• Authorizing public improvements

• Approving contracts

• Implementing traffic regulations

They also have a say in the city's budget, which is nearly $12 billion for FY 2022-23.

*Beyond Their Jurisdiction*

The City Council does not oversee the Los Angeles Unified School District, county-level social services, or unincorporated county areas.

*Council Operations*

The council adheres to specific rules and structures, including committees that address various city concerns. Members serve four-year terms, with a current salary of about $224,000 per year.

*The Impact on The Community*

Council decisions can significantly influence local concerns, such as transportation safety and homelessness.

*Key Issues for the Next Term*

• LAPD budget and policing

• Addressing homelessness

• Housing development

• Traffic and mobility

• Government reform

*Who's on the 2024 Ballot*

District 2

• Marin Ghandilyan

• Manny Gonez

• Jillian Burgos

• Jon-Paul Bird

• Adrin Nazarian

• Sam Kbushyan

• Rudy Melendez

District 4

• Levon 'Lev' Baronian

• Ethan Weaver

• Nithya Raman (Incumbent)

District 6

• Ely De La Cruz Ayao

• Imelda Padilla (Incumbent)

• Carmenlina Minasova

District 8

• Marqueece Harris-Dawson (Incumbent)

• Jahan Epps

• Cliff Smith

District 10

• Heather Hutt (Incumbent)

• Eddie Anderson

• Reggie Jones-Sawyer

• Aura Vásquez

• Grace Yoo

District 12

• John S. Lee (Incumbent)

• Serena Oberstein

District 14

• Genny Guerrero

• Teresa Y. Hillery

• Ysabel Jurado

• Wendy Carrillo

• Eduardo 'Lalo' Vargas

• Miguel Santiago

• Kevin De León (Incumbent)

• Nadine M. Diaz

*Your Voice Matters*

The decisions made by the L.A. City Council have real-life implications for the communities they serve. Participate in the democratic process by voting on March 5th and stay informed with coverage on CityWatchLA. Your engagement is pivotal in shaping the future of Los Angeles.

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##  [ POLITICS ](https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=396)

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