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cityhood

California’s East Los Angeles may be on the cusp of significant change as the state Senate committee has voted to explore cityhood for the area. This proposal, pushed forward by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, aims to assess whether the unincorporated region, home to about 120,000 residents, can sustain itself as its own city or special district.

The proposal arose from concerns over the lack of local governance, with East L.A. currently having no mayor or city council. The committee’s 4-1 vote on Assembly Bill 2986 indicates strong legislative interest, but several steps remain before any official changes can occur.

This bill is not entirely new territory; similar efforts have been made before. The proposal for cityhood has faced hurdles historically, with previous attempts failing, most recently back in 2012.

That year, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) found the area did not have the financial means to support cityhood. Today, the atmosphere seems more favorable, as Carrillo argues for the necessity of the conversation about the future of East Los Angeles.

According to Carrillo, the purpose of the bill is to compel LAFCO to conduct thorough feasibility studies. She emphasized the importance of analyzing the tax base and the county services currently available to the residents of East L.A.

After the Senate’s committee meeting, she stated, “After working with Senate Appropriations, I’m grateful the legislature recognizes the importance of extending the discussion about East Los Angeles’ future.”
Despite its advancing path, local voices express skepticism. Hilda Solis, who serves on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, has been vocal against the bill, perceiving it as state overreach.

Solis contends the existing services provided to East L.A. residents by the county are adequate and sees no pressing need for the proposed changes. She argues the push for cityhood could waste taxpayer money by taking funds from existing services.

On the other hand, Carrillo believes the current lack of governance puts the community at a disadvantage. The new bill has been modified to almost align with two motions passed by L.A. County to assure the study comprehensively addresses East L.A’s unique circumstances.

The discussions will require transparency, with findings being reported back to both the community and state. Should the bill pass through the full legislature and be signed by the governor, LAFCO will conduct the necessary feasibility studies to guide the future.

Advocates hope the bill will serve as the catalyst needed to stimulate interest and participation among local residents. Before any formal push for cityhood can happen, the area must show it can sustain itself economically.

Meanwhile, the legislative path for AB 2986 continues to pave new experiences, unearthing existing realities tied to governance. Local resources, advocacy, and leadership will play pivotal roles as the study progresses, promising to engage residents with transparency.

Assembly Bill 2986 has advanced from the state Assembly, through the state Senate Local Government Committee and on Aug. 15 was approved by the state Senate Appropriations Committee, increasing the chances of it becoming law. A floor vote in the state Senate is pending.

 

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