San Diego County Considers Major Government Reforms

Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer proposes ballot measure to amend county charter, including extended term limits and potential elected county mayor

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Diego County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer is pushing for major reforms to the county's government, including a potential ballot measure to amend the county charter. Proposals include extended term limits for supervisors, creating an independent ethics commission and auditing offices, and converting the county's top administrative post into an elected position. While some reforms like ethics oversight have broad support, the idea of an elected county mayor has faced skepticism from labor groups and advocacy organizations.

Why it matters

These proposed changes could significantly reshape the structure and power dynamics of San Diego County government. Extending term limits for supervisors could keep Lawson-Remer and others in office longer, while an elected county mayor could concentrate more authority in a single position. The reforms aim to increase accountability and independence, but critics worry an elected county executive could disrupt the current system.

The details

Lawson-Remer is hoping the Board of Supervisors will vote as soon as April to put a charter amendment measure on the November 2026 ballot. In addition to the potential elected county mayor, the proposal includes creating an independent county ethics commission, budget and auditing offices, and giving supervisors more power to confirm and remove top bureaucrats. While some reforms like ethics oversight have broad support, the elected county mayor idea has faced skepticism from groups like the county's largest labor union and a local policy organization.

  • Lawson-Remer is aiming for a Board of Supervisors vote in April 2026 to put the charter amendment measure on the November 2026 ballot.
  • The deadline to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot is early August 2026.

The players

Terra Lawson-Remer

The chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, who is spearheading the push for major county government reforms.

Crystal Irving

The president of SEIU Local 221, the county's largest labor union, who expressed uncertainty about the proposal for an elected county administrative officer.

Kyra Greene

A representative from the Center on Policy Initiatives, a group partnering with Lawson-Remer on exploring charter changes, who said she is least interested in seeing an elected county mayor position created.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This proposed charter reform package has critical reforms such as strengthening independent ethics standards, audits and budget oversight. However, we are uncertain if the elected County Administrative Officer is right for our county as it could place too much power in the hands of one person.”

— Crystal Irving, President of SEIU Local 221 (SEIU Local 221 statement)

“It is one of the things I'm least interested in seeing happen. I think it would be very disruptive, and I'm not convinced that it leads to better governance.”

— Kyra Greene, Representative, Center on Policy Initiatives (Voice of San Diego)

What’s next

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote as soon as April 2026 on whether to place the proposed charter amendment measure on the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

The proposed reforms to San Diego County government, if enacted, could significantly reshape the power dynamics and accountability of local elected officials and bureaucrats. While some changes like ethics oversight have broad support, the idea of an elected county mayor faces skepticism and could prove disruptive if implemented.