Los Angeles City Controller facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Los Angeles City Controller
Flag of Los Angeles
Seal of Los Angeles
Incumbent Kenneth Mejia since December 12, 2022
Term length	4 years (Renewable once)
Website	controller.lacity.gov

The Los Angeles City Controller is an important official in the government of Los Angeles, California. Think of them as the city's main accountant and money manager. They make sure the city's money is handled correctly. The City Controller is chosen by people voting every four years, just like the Mayor and the City Attorney.

This job started way back in 1878. It was first called the Los Angeles City Auditor. Back then, the person in this role also helped with secretarial tasks for the Los Angeles Common Council, which was like the city's early council.

In 1925, the city made some changes to its rules. The job's name was officially changed to City Controller. Later, in 2000, new rules gave the Controller even more power. They gained the important job of checking how well different city departments were working. This is called doing "performance audits." It helps make sure city services are efficient and effective.

What Does the City Controller Do?

The City Controller has a very important role in Los Angeles. They are like the city's chief financial watchdog. Their main jobs include:

• Managing Money: They oversee all the money coming in and going out of the city. This includes making sure bills are paid and money is spent wisely.
• Checking the Books: They keep track of all the city's financial records. This helps ensure everything is accurate and transparent.
• Performance Audits: They check how well city departments are doing their jobs. This helps find ways to improve services and save money. For example, they might look at how quickly permits are issued or how efficiently trash is collected.
• Protecting Taxpayer Money: Their work helps make sure that the money paid by citizens in taxes is used properly and not wasted.

A Look at the City Controller's History

The role of the City Controller has changed over time. It started as the City Auditor and grew into the important position it is today.

Early City Auditors (1879–1925)

The first person to hold this job was William W. Robinson, starting in 1879. For many years, the role focused on basic accounting and record-keeping for the city.

One important person from this time was John S. Myers. He served as City Auditor for a long time. When the city changed the job title in 1925, he became the first person to be called the City Controller.

City Controllers (1925–Present)

After 1925, the job became more focused on managing the city's finances. Over the years, many dedicated people have held this position.

Laura N. Chick was a notable City Controller. She served from 2001 to 2009. During her time, she was known for her strong focus on performance audits. She worked hard to make sure city departments were accountable.

The current Los Angeles City Controller is Kenneth Mejia. He started his term on December 12, 2022. He continues the important work of overseeing the city's finances and making sure the government works well for everyone.

Images for kids

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  Freeman G. Teed

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  Elijah E. Unger

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  Lewis H. Schwaebe

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  William C. Mushet

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  John S. Myers

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  Dan O. Hoye

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  Charles Navarro

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  Ira Reiner

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  James Hahn

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  Laura N. Chick

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  Wendy Greuel

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  Ron Galperin