Unanimous vote calls for expanded representation and county flexibility as Los Angeles government evolves under Measure G.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board on Thursday recommended expanding its structure to add a voting rider representative and adjusting county appointments as part of broader governance changes that would require approval by the California Legislature.
The recommendations, approved unanimously by the Metro Board of Directors, aim to ensure balanced regional representation, accountability and oversight amid changes to Los Angeles County’s government structure under Measure G, which voters approved in 2024. That measure creates an elected county chief executive officer starting in 2028 and expands the Board of Supervisors from five to nine members in 2032.
The board’s plan calls for adding a voting rider representative. It would also give the Board of Supervisors flexibility to designate the elected county CEO as one of its five Metro board members after the 2028 election. Once the county CEO position is filled, the mayor of Los Angeles would appoint a transit advocate or rider to the board. After the supervisors expand in 2032, the county would retain five seats, drawn from the CEO and supervisors. Other appointment authorities would remain unchanged.
The board also directed its Ad Hoc Board Composition Committee to study adding representatives from labor and a small city, while reviewing city selection procedures for better regional equity. The committee must report back in 90 to 120 days.
“We know that public transit is one of the most powerful tools we have to change and improve people’s lives,” Metro Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “I’m proud that my proposal to reserve one of the City of Los Angeles’ public member seats for a transit advocate/rider was approved by the LA Metro Board today, along with Supervisor Hahn’s amended motion to add an additional voting rider seat.”
The changes stem from months of public engagement, stakeholder meetings and analysis of peer transit agencies. The ad hoc committee, which includes board members and community leaders, held more than 1,300 engagement touchpoints, including surveys, listening sessions and outreach at transit stops.
“Metro is delivering the largest transit infrastructure program in the nation, and strong governance is fundamental to that mission,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “Their input has helped shape a recommendation that prepares Metro for the future while maintaining the regional collaboration that has made the agency successful.”
