A new survey reveals that a significant majority of Los Angeles County residents believe the local government is failing, with most voters calling for sweeping reforms to improve governance.

A new survey from Loyola Marymount University has revealed a striking consensus among Los Angeles County residents that the local government is failing, and large-scale reform is needed.

The survey, conducted by the university’s StudyLA team, found that 65.8% of registered voters believe the county is heading in the “wrong direction,” while only 34.2% feel it is moving in the “right direction.” These figures point to a clear dissatisfaction with the current state of governance in Los Angeles County. 

More than 70% of respondents agree that L.A. County and its governing bodies require some type of reform, even if that results in short-term disruption. The survey also found that voters are seeking sweeping, transformative changes rather than small adjustments.

“This is a moment of rare alignment,” said Fernando J. Guerra, founding director of StudyLA and professor at Loyola Marymount University. “Residents think the system isn’t working – not just in one area, but across multiple institutions – and they want big solutions, not incremental fixes.”

This demand for reform comes amid a widespread distrust of elected leaders. The survey revealed that a significant portion of the population believes local officials are too closely tied to special interests and big money, rather than prioritizing the people’s needs.

To address these concerns, a majority of voters expressed support for several reforms, including the establishment of an independent ethics commission. 95% of respondents favored this measure, while 88% supported expanding the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, and 87% endorsed the idea of electing a chief executive officer (CEO) for the county. These reforms are part of Measure G, a countywide initiative that voters approved in 2024. 

While there is cautious optimism about Measure G’s potential, with about 50% of respondents believing it will make local government more responsive and 20% believing it will improve efficiency, the survey underscores the urgency of these reforms.

“This survey shows both urgency and opportunity,” said Brianne Gilbert, managing director of StudyLA. “Angelenos want a more effective, more transparent county government. The public is demanding change – now it’s up to leaders to deliver.”

Scroll to continue reading

The survey was conducted from October 16-28, 2025, and included responses from 1,004 registered voters. It was offered in both English and Spanish, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. The findings also highlight concerns about issues such as public health, policing, and disaster response, with many voters calling for substantial changes in these areas as well.

To read more about this survey from StudyLA, click here.