L.A.County Chief Executive Received $2 Million Settlement Following Measure G Passage
Los Angeles County’s Chief Executive Officer, Celia Davenport, received a $2 million settlement finalized in mid-August, according to records recently made public. The settlement stems from the fallout of Measure G, a ballot proposition approved by voters that substantially alters the county’s governance structure.
Davenport, appointed CEO in 2021, outlined the impact of Measure G in an August 12th letter to county counsel Dawyn Harrison, stating it had caused “an unprecedented impact on my professional reputation, health, career, income, and retirement.” She expressed hope that the settlement would allow for a focus on “what the real issues are here - measure G has irrevocably changed my life, my professional career, economic outlook, and plans for the future.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Davenport is barred from suing the county regarding “any claims arising out of the facts and circumstances surrounding the enactment of the ballot proposition known as ‘Measure G.'”
The existence of the settlement was first reported by LAist on Tuesday.
Davenport is currently on medical leave, informing staff she anticipates returning early next year, and did not promptly respond to requests for comment regarding the settlement.
in her august 12th letter, Davenport referenced prior severance payments to departing county officials, including $1.5 million paid to former CEO Sachi Hamai, approximately $449,000 to former county Attorney Mary Wickham, and $213,000 to Rodrigo Castro-Silva, also a former County Attorney. She emphasized her situation was distinct, stating, “My circumstance is different in that I am not seeking to leave, and I have suffered damages, through no fault of my own.”
Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn announced Measure G in July 2024,framing it as a necessary overhaul of the county’s bureaucracy. The charter amendment increases the number of county supervisors to nine and transitions the County Chief Executive position from an appointed to an elected role.
Davenport wrote to Horvath on August 12th, detailing how the measure had damaged her “professional reputation” and would likely shorten her career by at least two years. She described the ensuing weeks as challenging, creating “uncomfortable, awkward interactions” wiht her team, department heads, and external contacts who believed she was being fired.
Horvath defended the measure in a statement, asserting it would create a “more clear and accountable government.” She stated,”L.A. County government is broken. Measure G,which was approved by L.A. County voters, puts the power back in the hands of the people.”
The shift to an elected CEO was the most contentious aspect of Measure G, with supporters arguing it would increase accountability and opponents warning it would concentrate power and politicize a bureaucratic position.
