Los Angeles City Council approves first reading to create Department of Emergency Preparedness after extended debate

The Los Angeles City Council voted on May 24 to approve the first reading of an ordinance to create a Department of Emergency Preparedness, sending the measure over one week for final adoption after extended debate about authority, cost and oversight.

Councilmembers and staff spent nearly two hours debating two competing approaches: an ordinance that would establish a standalone Department of Emergency Preparedness and a technical ordinance that would retain emergency preparedness functions in the City Administrative Officer's Office/Office of Research and Statistics (ORS). Supporters said a separate department would elevate preparedness and give the mayor meaningful directive authority; opponents warned of added cost and little operational benefit.

Councilmember (last name) Hernandez, describing the city’s history with disasters, argued for a standalone department: “Los Angeles has had its share of…