UPDATE: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has a new leader. Hilda Solis, First District Supervisor, officially took the gavel from Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger on Tuesday, December 2, 2023, marking a significant transition in the all-women board that represents 10 million residents and oversees 117,000 county employees.
Solis, who previously chaired the board in 2016 and 2021, faces critical challenges in her new role. As she embarks on her final year before being termed out, she emphasized the board’s urgent need to address a substantial budget deficit caused by cuts from the HR1 budget bill enacted under the Trump administration.
“The board will continue to contend with reductions in resources. We have to address a significant hole in our budget,” Solis stated, underscoring the pressing need for the county to maintain its role as a safety net for low-income residents amidst federal service reductions.
Solis’s remarks resonate deeply as she prepares for another battle—running for Congress after her term concludes. She is expected to vie for a seat in the newly established California’s 38th Congressional District, formed by the recent statewide redistricting process. This district encompasses key areas like El Monte, Commerce, and parts of Orange County.
A seasoned political figure, Solis served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was appointed Secretary of Labor by Barack Obama in 2009. Her return to Congress is anticipated, as she has been a staunch advocate for worker rights and immigrant issues throughout her career.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath praised Solis, calling her a “living legend” and a fighter for the community. “You are exactly the woman for this moment,” she noted, highlighting Solis’s alignment with the pressing needs of vulnerable populations.
As the board transitions, Supervisor Holly Mitchell was unanimously voted as vice chair, signaling a commitment to collaborative leadership as the county braces for fiscal challenges. The board also acknowledged Barger’s contributions, particularly her role in securing resources for victims of recent fires.
With federal policies impacting funding and support services, the board’s immediate focus will be on maintaining essential social programs while navigating a constrained budget. Solis’s leadership will be pivotal as she and her colleagues forge a path forward for the county.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about upcoming initiatives and budget discussions that will shape the future of Los Angeles County. The board’s actions in the coming weeks will be crucial as they work to mitigate the impact of federal cuts and ensure services remain intact for those who need them most.
