Committee approves ordinance to create Department of Community Investment after debate over metrics and youth funding

The Los Angeles City committee on Disabilities, Aging and Migration, Equity and Civil Rights approved an ordinance to consolidate several programs into a new Department of Community Investment, voting three in favor and two opposed on May 1.

Councilmembers debated how the consolidation will be measured and whether it will preserve existing youth-program funding. "Pero cuáles son algunos métricos específicos del desempeño y líneas de tiempo que se van a utilizar para evaluar si es que esta propuesta nueva..." Concejala Rodríguez asked, pressing staff to identify measurable outcomes and a timeline for review.

Staff told the committee they are developing cross-departmental metrics and expect to involve department leads and data collection in the coming months. "Lo vamos a involucrar en seis meses y de manera anual para la recomendación de este reporte," a staff member said, describing a six-month engagement to assemble recommendations and metrics.

Councilmembers also questioned whether the reorganization would change the amount of contract dollars going to youth programs. Staff said the change is an internal alignment intended to improve coordination and oversight, and that contractors "no van a ver un cambio en los dólares de contratos," though internal supervision and reporting will shift under the new office.

The ordinance passed after roll call. The voting record, as read into the record, was: "Concejal Soto Martínez, Concejal La serie, Concejala Jurado" recorded in favor; "Concejala Rodríguez" and "Concejala Padilla" recorded as opposed. The clerk confirmed the ordinance was approved by the committee.

The committee instructed legislative analysts and city investment staff to prepare clarifying materials about measurable metrics, program oversight and the timeline for integration; councilmembers requested that staff return with a follow-up report that documents how youth-program dollars and other contracts will be preserved during and after the consolidation.

The committee’s action advances the ordinance to the next stage of review; staff were directed to provide the committee with more detailed performance measures and a written report on the preservation of existing contracts.