San Diego County Supervisor Proposes Sweeping Governance Reforms

Lawson-Remer's plan could create an elected county mayor and alter term limits for other officials.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:55am

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San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is spearheading a proposal to significantly reform the county's governance structure, including potentially establishing an elected county mayor position and changing term limits for supervisors and other countywide elected officials. The proposed changes, which would require voter approval, are described as the biggest to county operations in a century.

Why it matters

The county charter serves as the fundamental governing document for San Diego County, so any revisions would have far-reaching impacts on the structure and accountability of local government. The proposed reforms aim to increase transparency and effectiveness, but could also shift the balance of power among elected officials.

The details

Lawson-Remer has been collaborating with unions and the Center on Policy Initiatives to pursue these governance changes, which could include a ballot measure to create an elected county mayor position. Other potential changes include extending term limits for supervisors and increasing transparency through new offices and programs. The proposed measure could also impact term limits for the sheriff and alter the roles of other countywide elected officials.

  • Sixteen years ago, term limits were implemented for the county's five supervisors following a period of extended Republican control.
  • A ballot measure outlining the proposed governance reforms could be presented to San Diego County voters as early as June 2026.

The players

Terra Lawson-Remer

San Diego County Supervisor who is spearheading the proposed governance reforms.

Center on Policy Initiatives

A non-profit organization that has been collaborating with Supervisor Lawson-Remer on the reform proposal.

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What they’re saying

“Community, civic, religious, business, union and arts leaders have been clamoring to make our county more transparent, effective and accountable — and I think they're right.”

— Terra Lawson-Remer, San Diego County Supervisor

What’s next

A ballot measure outlining the proposed governance reforms could be presented to San Diego County voters as early as June 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to San Diego County's governance structure represent a fundamental shift that could have lasting impacts on the balance of power and accountability within local government. While aimed at increasing transparency and effectiveness, the reforms would also significantly alter the established roles and term limits of elected officials, requiring careful consideration by county residents.