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DCA outlines governor's reorganization plan, telework changes and a new equity officer
Summary
Department of Consumer Affairs staff told the LATC that Governor Newsom's reorganization plan would split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency and raise in-office work requirements; DCA is tracking Little Hoover Commission review and implementing CalHR telework guidance.
The Department of Consumer Affairs told the Landscape Architects Technical Committee on May 1 that Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed splitting the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two agencies and that the change would affect DCA oversight and operations.
Leslie Barbee, DCA Board and Bureau Relations, said the governor's reorganization plan would create a California Housing and Homelessness Agency to oversee housing and homelessness solutions and a separate Business and Consumer Services Agency to handle consumer affairs, licensing and enforcement. "The Department of Consumer Affairs would be among the 8 departments in this new agency," Barbee said.
Barbee said the governor's reorganization plan was delivered to the nonpartisan Little Hoover Commission on April 4, beginning the commission's roughly 90-day review process. The commission held public hearings and is preparing a report with recommendations to the governor and legislature; the legislature will have 60 days to accept or reject the plan. If not rejected, Barbee said the Business and Consumer Services Agency would be created in July 2025 and would have a one-year transition period to become operative on July 1, 2026.
Barbee called the reorganization "an extraordinary opportunity for DCA to better align with other consumer protection departments." She added that a cabinet secretary focused on consumer protection could strengthen DCA's mission and delivery of services.
Barbee also briefed the committee on a March 3 executive order from the governor requiring most state employees to increase in-office work from two to four days per week beginning July 1, 2025. CalHR issued guidance on March 13 establishing parameters and case-by-case exceptions; Barbee said DCA has begun identifying additional office space needs and is holding biweekly meetings with board and bureau leadership to minimize impacts. "We recognize that this transition will likely require adjustments for many employees, and we are working together to minimize the impacts," she said.
Barbee announced personnel changes: Levi Hull began serving as DCA's compliance and equity officer on April 28 and will coordinate quality improvement, training and internal audit work across the department.
Committee members asked staff about fiscal effects of the reorganization and the telework change. Barbee said she did not have fiscal estimates available at the meeting and would follow up. "I don't have the answer to that, but I can take it back and get it from my management," she said. LATC staff noted they have sufficient space for their own office needs.
The committee did not take action on the reorganization or telework items; Barbee said DCA will continue to keep boards and committees updated as the Little Hoover Commission and legislature review the plan.
