DCA official briefs board on governor's reorganization plan, telework rules and new equity officer

Shelley Jones, representing the Department of Consumer Affairs' board and bureau relations team, briefed the board on several administrative items including the governor's proposed reorganization, new telework expectations for state employees, updated travel rules and a newly appointed compliance and equity officer.

Jones said the governor proposed splitting the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two agencies — a California Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Business and Consumer Services Agency — with DCA remaining among departments in the proposed business and consumer services agency. The Little Hoover Commission reviewed the reorganization plan and recommended the legislature allow it to take effect; the legislature has until July 4 to take action. If not rejected, the plan would take effect on July 5, with the reorganization becoming operative July 1, 2026 as currently written.

Jones also summarized an executive order from March requiring agencies to update hybrid telework policies to increase in-office minimums from two to four days per week beginning July 1, 2025, and she described CalHR guidance on case-by-case exceptions. She said DCA and boards are coordinating to identify office space and minimize disruption.

On travel, Jones said the Department of Finance issued guidance limiting out-of-state travel to mission-critical trips and requiring requests to be routed to the DCA budget office eight weeks in advance. Jones also announced that Levi Holt began serving April 28 as DCA's compliance and equity officer and will lead quality improvement, internal audit and equity functions across the department.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions and the board offered congratulations to new board appointees and reappointments shared in the update.