So, You Wanna Know What the LA City Council Does?
Let's talk about the glamorous world of local government. Specifically, the Los Angeles City Council. I know, I know, it's not exactly the Kardashians, but trust me, there's more drama than you'd think.
What Does The Los Angeles City Council Do |
The City Council: LA's Real Housewives (Minus the Botox)
Think of the LA City Council as the city's version of a reality TV show. There's a lot of arguing, a bit of backstabbing, and, occasionally, something resembling actual work gets done. They're the ones in charge of making sure your trash gets picked up, your streets are paved (or at least not full of potholes), and that there’s enough guacamole to go around.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
So, what do they actually do? Well, aside from the occasional public spat that makes it to the evening news, they:
Tip: Be mindful — one idea at a time.
- Make laws: Think of them as the city's lawmakers. They create those pesky ordinances that tell you when to put your trash cans out and whether or not you can have a chicken in your backyard.
- Manage the budget: They're in charge of doling out the city's cash. Where does the money go? That's up to them. So, if you're wondering why your property taxes are so high, maybe you should give them a call.
- Oversee city departments: From the police to the parks department, the City Council keeps tabs on all the city's departments. It's like being the boss of a really big company, but with less money and more bureaucracy.
- Deal with crises: When there's a big problem, like a wildfire or a zombie apocalypse (just kidding about the zombies), the City Council is supposed to step up and take charge.
It's Harder Than It Looks
Being a city council member isn't all glitz and glamour. There are endless meetings, stacks of paperwork taller than you, and constituents who never seem to be satisfied. It's like herding cats, but with less purring and more complaining.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
Want to get involved? Great! There are plenty of ways to make your voice heard. You can attend city council meetings, contact your councilmember, or even run for office yourself. Just remember, it's probably not as glamorous as it looks on TV.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
How To...
- How to find your city councilmember: Check the official website of the City of Los Angeles.
- How to attend a city council meeting: Most meetings are open to the public. Check the city's website for dates and times.
- How to contact your city councilmember: Look up their contact information on the city's website or give the city clerk's office a call.
- How to get involved in local politics: Volunteer for a campaign, join a neighborhood council, or start your own political action committee.
- How to survive a city council meeting: Bring coffee, wear comfortable shoes, and try to stay awake.