Oscar Winner Daniel Kwan Leads Ground-Up Reform of Los Angeles City Charter

Academy Award-winning director Daniel Kwan is spearheading a major civic effort. He is helping lead the “Rewrite LA” campaign. The goal is to reshape Los Angeles’s foundational City Charter for the first time in three decades. This process will directly impact housing, climate policy, and how the city governs.Kwan appeared at a City Charter Reform Commission meeting in October. His involvement signals a push for greater public input. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kwan and his team aim to make democracy more transparent and participatory for Angelenos.

Why LA’s “Constitution” Needs an Urgent Update

The City Charter functions as the city’s constitution. It has not been fully rewritten since 1995. The current systems are outdated for modern challenges. These challenges include the housing crisis, AI governance, and climate emergencies.Rewrite LA co-founder Nick Goddard stated the systems were designed for a world that no longer exists. The organization is using innovative methods from global leaders like Taiwan’s digital democracy efforts. Their first mini civic assembly is set for December 13 to discuss land use.

A Celebrity Voice for a Deeply Local Issue

Kwan’s involvement brings rare Hollywood spotlight to granular civic work. He told The Hollywood Reporter he sees this as a critical seed-planting moment. For him, upgrading local democracy is essential to tackling bigger systemic failures affecting everyone.The filmmaker argues Los Angeles is at a vortex of overlapping crises. He says the city cannot afford another 30 years of governmental gridlock. The charter reform process, largely unnoticed, is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a more nimble and responsive city government.

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This grassroots movement, championed by an unlikely civic leader, seeks to modernize the Los Angeles City Charter from the bottom up. The success of their public assemblies could set a new standard for urban democracy nationwide.

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What is the Los Angeles City Charter?

The City Charter is Los Angeles’s core governing document. It acts like a constitution for the city. It outlines the powers, duties, and structure of the municipal government.

Why is Daniel Kwan involved in this issue?

Kwan has a long-term interest in systemic problem-solving and democratic innovation. He sees the charter rewrite as a tangible opportunity to apply new ideas. He wants to ensure the process includes broad public participation.

What is the timeline for the charter reform?

The City Charter Reform Commission is currently working. Rewrite LA’s public assemblies are feeding into that process. Final proposals are expected to go to the ballot for voter approval in the coming years.

How can the public get involved?

Residents can attend the mini assemblies, like the one on December 13. They can also learn about the process through the Rewrite LA organization. Raising general awareness is a key first step for involvement.

What topics will the reform address?

Key issues include land use, housing affordability, climate action, and technology governance. The reform aims to make city government more adaptable to future crises and shifts.