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# LA City Clerk Considers Postponement Of 2027 NC Elections, Democracy Delayed & Denied For Thousands Of Angelenos?
April 09 2026
Written by Nick Antonicello.
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WESTSIDE - The Los Angeles City Clerk's Office is considering the postponement of the entire schedule of the 2027 neighborhood council elections despite the fact that the agency that monitors and operates is running at annual surplus.
DONE, or the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment dating back to 2017-18, has run at a surplus ranging from unspent dollars of $466,862, to $1,239,018 in the 2024-25 budget, according to local sources after a cursory review of past spending habits. Sources say these figures are from the Neighborhood Council's Dashboard dated 4/8/26.
According to Michael Lektorich, Senior Election Administrator for the Clerk's Office, the cost of these elections are anticipated at $900,000, a drop in the budget when you consider the current LA city budget is estimated at $14 billion dollars, or $38.3 million a day to operate.
DONE was contacted this week about the potential postponement as e-mails and phone messages went unreturned and unanswered.
Moreover, most neighborhood councils rarely expend their entire budgets and are permitted to "roll over" funding for the next fiscal year. Collectively, those rollovers could more than cover the cost of the 2027 election process.
The Budget & Finance Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council had the issue as a discussion item Wednesday evening and a motion was authored opposing the delay of these elections, which will be sent to the full VNC to weigh in on the matter at their April meeting later this month.
The impact of no elections for two years would have a devastating effect on many neighborhood councils to operate since many members may not opt to serve beyond their current term of office causing vacancies and boards largely unelected by the public at-large.
Here in Venice, there is a 21-member board that had to fill three vacancies, including the position of president.
There is no guarantee the current president would continue to serve in an appointed capacity for another two years beyond the current term that expires in 2027, as well as any other elected members. Issues of holding a quorum could become problematic beyond this term of office. A failure to muster a quorum or half plus one of the entire bodies would leave that NC unable to govern or operate.
According to Lektorich, nothing has been finalized as Mayor Karen Bass will unveil her new budget on April 20th.
It's unknown what direction Bass will take in a year where she is seeking reelection in a crowded field of opponents where her reelection chances are certainly in question.
Advocates of these neighborhood councils are in the hundreds, with committee members ranging in the thousands as active participants in city government and volunteers who play a major role in this grass roots democracy created by the Los Angeles City Charter.
Some say the postponement of these elections would be considered democracy delayed, and thus democracy denied.
I whole heartily agree.
***(Nick Antonicello** is a 31-year resident of Venice and a seasoned journalist who covers politics, government, and community issues affecting the Westside of Los Angeles. Known for his in-depth reporting and passionate advocacy, Nick provides insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping Venice and surrounding neighborhoods. His work explores everything from city council decisions to local elections and development. Have a take or a tip? Contact him at nantoni@mindspring.com. Nick is a regular contributor to CityWatchLA.com.)*
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