What's Happening?
Researchers at the USC Price School have received a $1.5 million grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation. This funding will support an 18-month project aimed at developing tools for Los Angeles County government to measure and improve
resident well-being. The initiative is led by Professor David Brady and Research Assistant Professor Jared Schachner. The project will create a transparent system to track the county government's progress in areas related to resident well-being, incorporating input from county residents, government departments, and community stakeholders. This effort coincides with L.A. County's governmental overhaul following the 2024 approval of ballot Measure G, which introduces an elected county executive, an independent ethics commission, a nonpartisan legislative analyst, and expands the Board of Supervisors.
Why It's Important?
This grant is crucial for enhancing government accountability and effectiveness in one of the largest counties in the U.S. By shifting the focus from mere service delivery metrics to tangible outcomes in resident well-being—such as physical and mental health, safety, economic security, and housing stability—the project aims to provide a more holistic and impactful assessment of government performance. This initiative directly supports the goals of Measure G, which promised greater accountability and transparency in L.A. County government. The development of a public-facing dashboard will empower residents and stakeholders to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and hold elected officials and departments accountable for their contributions to the community's quality of life. This model could potentially serve as a blueprint for other large metropolitan areas seeking to improve governance and resident outcomes.
What's Next?
Over the next 18 months, the USC Price School research team, including faculty from all four Price School academic departments and affiliated centers, will work with L.A. County departments to identify key outcome measures. They will also conduct surveys of county residents and hold community engagement sessions to determine which outcomes are most important to residents and how best to communicate progress. The project will culminate in the creation of a public-facing dashboard to track the county departments' contributions to resident well-being over time. Additionally, the researchers will provide recommendations for integrating this outcomes-based approach into the county's governance structure, aiming to ensure that the new system is sustainable and effectively utilized by the restructured L.A. County government.
Beyond the Headlines
This project delves into the fundamental challenge of defining and measuring governmental success beyond traditional output metrics. By prioritizing 'resident well-being,' it encourages a more human-centric approach to public administration, potentially fostering greater trust between citizens and their government. The initiative also highlights the growing trend of leveraging academic expertise to address complex urban governance issues and the importance of philanthropic foundations in funding such critical research. Furthermore, the emphasis on community input in defining success metrics could set a precedent for more participatory governance models, ensuring that government efforts are truly aligned with the needs and priorities of the populations they serve. This could lead to a more responsive and equitable public sector.
