Civic Atlas USAmade by a neighbor, for the neighborhood

Links

Department and partner websites, research and sources. Every link on this page leaves Civic Atlas.

More ways to get help & take part

Service and participation links kept from the earlier Directory.

Schedule a bulky-item pickup

Trash & street issues

City of LA

Report a missed trash collection

Trash & street issues

City of LA

MyLA311: start a service request

Trash & street issues

City of LA

LADOT 24 Hour Customer Care Hotline: citations, towed cars, abandoned vehicles, parking violations

Trash & street issues

The Works: find County reporting options

Trash & street issues

LA County

LAPD · Los Angeles Police Department

City or County? Who handles what

City of LA

LA Public Library · find a branch

City or County? Who handles what

City of LA

City Attorney · misdemeanor prosecution

City or County? Who handles what

City of LA

County Public Health

City or County? Who handles what

LA County

County Department of Mental Health

City or County? Who handles what

LA County

Assessor · how your property is assessed

City or County? Who handles what

LA County

Sheriff · find someone in County custody

City or County? Who handles what

LA County

Unincorporated areas · County as your city

City or County? Who handles what

LA County

Los Angeles Public Library · Research Guides

Research & local history

Government documents, house history, Los Angeles maps, environmental impact reports, and more.

Immediate danger & crisis support

Immediate danger911Crisis support · call or text988

Homelessness and someone in crisis

City and County

Someone in crisis on the street

Say what you see and exactly where. On the non-emergency line, choose non-emergency dispatch. Dispatch decides who goes; where available, that can be an unarmed CIRCLE team.

LA Sanitation and Environment

City of Los Angeles

LA Sanitation & Environment manages services and infrastructure for solid waste, wastewater, and watershed protection.

AcronymLASAN

Phone1-800-773-2489

Websitesanitation.lacity.gov

Bulky or dumped items

Yours: a Bulky Item Pickup; have a list of the items. Someone dumped it: an Illegal Dumping Item Pickup.

Illegal dumping

An Illegal Dumping Item Pickup. Say what it is: bulky items, electronic waste, or metal and appliances. Debris under bushes beside a bin counts, StreetsLA says.

Missed trash pickup

Service Not Complete (a missed collection). Say which bin: black for trash, blue for recycling, green for organics.

A dead animal

A Dead Animal Removal. Say what kind of animal and where it is: curb, street, alley or sidewalk.

Trash overflowing

A can on the sidewalk: Public Street Receptacles, then Overflowing Container. Your own bins not emptied: Service Not Complete.

Waste near an encampment

Describe the specific sanitation issue and location. Separate waste from belongings; a cleanup report is different from requesting outreach for a person.

A storm drain or catch basin problem

Say where the leaves or trash are above. Blocking the grate is a Flooding request, which LA Sanitation clears. On the street nearby is a Street Sweeping request to StreetsLA.

A spill or suspected hazardous waste

Report a spill or suspected hazardous waste. Describe what you can see without touching it. Immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency: call 911.

MyLA311, the City’s service requests

City of Los Angeles

Acronym311

Phone311

Websitemyla311.lacity.gov

A pothole or sinking street

Report pothole or street pavement damage. If the street is sinking or opening up, say that explicitly instead of describing only a pothole.

A broken or uneven sidewalk

Report a Sidewalk Problem. If a mobility disability makes the route inaccessible, use the Access Request Program, yourself or for an identified person.

Street lighting on your block

Choose one above. A light that stopped working is a streetlight repair in MyLA311. A block that never had streetlights starts with a petition by its property owners.

A street tree needs attention

Ask for a street tree inspection. Explain whether a branch is hanging, a tree appears dead, or growth blocks a sign or light.

A blocked sidewalk or walkway

Report a sidewalk obstruction. Describe what blocks the path and whether someone using a wheelchair can get through.

A shared scooter or bike in the way

Report on MyLA311 (app or website): Public Right of Way Complaints > Dockless Mobility Enforcement. This starts the operator's 2-hour clock.

A damaged curb or driveway approach

Describe a damaged curb or driveway approach and ask which inspection or repair service applies. Responsibility depends on the location and condition.

Los Angeles Department of Transportation

City of Los Angeles

LADOT manages city transportation operations, including traffic signals, parking, and local transit services.

AcronymLADOT

Phone311

Websiteladot.lacity.gov

A safer place to cross

Ask LADOT to evaluate pedestrian safety at the location. You can start with a service request; you do not need to attend a Council meeting first.

Speed humps on a residential street

No speed hump application exists: LADOT picks streets from a Council-adopted ranking. To put the speeding on record for LADOT's engineers, file a Traffic Safety request in MyLA311.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

City of Los Angeles

LADWP is the city’s municipal water and electric utility, governed by its Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

AcronymLADWP

Phone800-342-5397

Websiteladwp.com

Power outage

In the City of LA, electricity comes from LADWP.

Los Angeles Animal Services

City of Los Angeles

AcronymLAAS

Phone888-452-7381

Websitelaanimalservices.com/Wildlife

A coyote

Call LA Animal Services about a coyote or other wildlife concern.

Los Angeles Public Library

City of Los Angeles

AcronymLAPL

Phone213-228-7555

Websitelapl.org/branches

Land use and planning

City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Planning

City of Los Angeles

City Planning develops land-use policy and reviews development.

AcronymDCP

Phone

Websiteplanning.lacity.gov/preservation-design/local-historic-districts

Changing the outside of a historic home

Look the address up in ZIMAS first: not every Miracle Mile home has historic rules. Under Planning and Zoning, Historic Preservation Review says which case applies; pick it above.

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

City of Los Angeles

AcronymLADBS

Phone

Websitedbs.lacity.gov

An overgrown hedge or bushes at a house

Pick what the hedge does above. Over the sidewalk or a corner: a 311 report. Tall in their own yard: a Building and Safety complaint, only if over the limit.

California Department of Transportation

State of California

AcronymCaltrans

Phone

Websitecsr.dot.ca.gov

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Los Angeles County

AcronymLASD

Phone

Websitelasd.org

Sheriff

LASD patrols 153 unincorporated communities and 42 of 88 cities.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Los Angeles County

AcronymBOS

Phone

Websitebos.lacounty.gov

County supervisor

The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of the County of Los Angeles, its executive and legislative head.

Emergency: police, fire, medical

Emergency

Acronym911

Phone911

Website

Downed or sparking power line

Stay away. Do not touch the line or anyone or anything touching it. From a safe place, tell 911 the location and what you see.

The key numbers above, as one picture for your phone.

City services

City of Los Angeles

StreetsLA

StreetsLA is the Bureau of Street Services. Residents can request pothole repair and other street services through MyLA311.

Building & housing

City of Los Angeles

City Planning

City Planning develops land-use policy and reviews development. Community plans describe how different parts of Los Angeles can grow.

Building & Safety

Building and Safety provides plan review, permits, inspections, and code enforcement for residential and commercial buildings.

LA Housing Department

The Housing Department administers affordable-housing finance, rental-housing regulation, and housing development services.

Safety & help

City of Los Angeles

LAPD

LAPD provides city law-enforcement services. The civilian Police Commission sets overall policy while the Chief manages daily operations.

LA Fire Department

LAFD responds to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous-material incidents, and carries out prevention and public education.

County services

Los Angeles County

Your government

City of Los Angeles

City Controller

The Controller’s office handles city financial reporting and audits. Its work helps residents examine public spending and how city programs perform.

Mayor’s office

The Mayor directs the executive branch and proposes the city budget. Many board and department leadership appointments also require City Council approval.

Take part

City of Los Angeles

A City Council meeting

To speak: in person (sign in at the speaker kiosk), or by phone during the meeting: 833-435-1820, ID 165 917 6148, then *9. From anywhere: a written comment.

Elections

November 3 key dates, what’s on the ballot, and what each measure does.

Report it well

MyLA311, City of Los Angeles

Take the photo now. Finish the words later. A wide photo, a close photo, and the items you see. Write the short note while you are there and finish the request the same day. One problem per request, the City’s own name for it, and keep the request number.

MyLA311

The City’s request line for everything on the lists below. Review Similar first, then Create New if it is new.

Facts & figures

Place, period and source matter. These entries retain their September 29, 2026 review date; confirm current figures with the linked source. The Graph and Follow the Money carry the current picture.

15 council districts

Each City Council member represents a district. The Mayor, City Attorney and Controller are elected citywide.

City elected offices

Who makes city laws?

The Council enacts ordinances, subject to the Mayor’s approval or veto.

How Council works

Make your next move

Find a service, understand who can act, and explore a practical next step.

Get help with an issue

$14.85 billion

City of Los Angeles · FY 2026–27

Total City budget reported in Council District 2’s mid-year review. This is a budget allocation, not actual spending.

Read the City’s budget summary

220 cases

Los Angeles County · Calendar year 2025

Flea-borne typhus cases reported by County Public Health. Published April 2, 2026.

Read the County report

Homelessness

City and County · 2026 count

LAHSA provides separate City and County estimates. The point-in-time count estimates homelessness on a given night.

Open the 2026 count summaries

City finances

Compare adopted budgets with revenue, spending and audited financial reports.

City financial reports

County budget

Review the County’s own budget and supporting documents, separately from the City budget.

County budget documents

Sources & research

Trace the guide back to its evidence, or go deeper into a topic.

Research a place or issue

Los Angeles Public Library’s Research Guides cover government documents, house history, maps, and more.

Official source register

Review dates are check dates, not a promise that information is unchanged. Source methods & data downloads.

City of LA · form of government

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: charter · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Mayor, City Council

City Clerk · current elected officials

Checked 2026-10-14
Reference details

Source ID: roster · Posted: 2026-10-05 · Checked: 2026-10-14

Profile references: Mayor, City Council, City Attorney

City of LA · departments and bureaus

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: directory · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Transportation, Department of Aging, Los Angeles World Airports, Animal Services, Department of Cannabis Regulation, City Tourism Department, Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department, Community Investment for Families Department, Bureau of Contract Administration, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department on Disability, Economic and Workforce Development Department, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, Emergency Management Department, Office of Finance, General Services Department, Information Technology Agency, Fire and Police Pensions, Personnel Department, Harbor Department / Port of Los Angeles, Office of Public Accountability, Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System, Bureau of Street Lighting, Youth Development Department, Los Angeles Zoo

CAO · adopted and proposed budget documents

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: budget · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Mayor, City Administrative Officer

City Clerk · FY 2026–27 budget, Council File 26-0600

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: budgetfile · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

City Attorney · role and responsibilities

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: attorney · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: City Attorney

LAPD · function and role of the Police Commission

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: policeboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Police Commission, Police Department

City Planning · planning commissions

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: planningboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Planning Commission, City Planning, Central Area Planning Commission, East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, Harbor Area Planning Commission, North Valley Area Planning Commission, South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, South Valley Area Planning Commission, West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission

City Planning · General Plan search tool

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: plans · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: City Planning, Housing Department

Housing Department · programs and leadership

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: housing · Reviewed: 2026-09-18 · Reference date: 2026-07-02

Profile references: Housing Department

LADBS · permits and inspections

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: building · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Building & Safety

LADOT · department overview

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: transport · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Transportation

Public Works · Board of Public Works

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: worksboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Works Board, Public Works

Public Works · board rules and bureau responsibilities

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: worksrules · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Works Board, Public Works

LAFD · mission and services

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: fire · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Fire Department

LADWP · governance and financing

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: water · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Water & Power Board, Sanitation & Environment, Water & Power

LADWP · Board of Commissioners

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: waterboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Water & Power Board

Recreation and Parks · commission

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: parksboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Recreation & Parks Board

Recreation and Parks · park needs assessment materials

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: parks · Reviewed: 2026-09-18 · Reference date: 2025-05-01

Profile references: Recreation & Parks

LA Public Library · Central Library and branch system

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: library · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Library

LA Public Library · Board of Library Commissioners

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: libraryboard · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Library Commission

LA Sanitation · divisions and programs

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: sanitation · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Sanitation & Environment

StreetsLA · service request FAQ

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: streets · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Street Services

Bureau of Engineering · responsibilities

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: engineering · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Bureau of Engineering

EmpowerLA · department

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: empower · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Neighborhood Empowerment

EmpowerLA · Neighborhood Councils explained

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: nc · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Neighborhood Empowerment

City Clerk · office responsibilities

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: clerk · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: City Clerk

City Clerk · council meetings and public comment

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: meetings · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: City Council, City Clerk

City of LA · address-based Neighborhood Info

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: lookup · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: City Council

StreetsLA · report a pothole

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: pothole · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Transportation, Street Services

Board of Supervisors

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-board · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Board of Supervisors

Responsibilities of the Board

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-powers · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Board of Supervisors

County departments directory

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-directory · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: District Attorney

County departments, commissions and agencies

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-overview · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

Cities and unincorporated communities

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-geography · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

Municipal services in unincorporated areas

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-muas · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Board of Supervisors

Unincorporated Area Service Locator

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-locator · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Works

Find your voting districts

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-districts · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

The Works: County service requests

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-works · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Works, Parks and Recreation

Public Works: report a problem

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-report · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Works

County budget and operations

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-budget · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Chief Executive Office

Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-coc · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Sheriff, Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission

Regional Planning Commission

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-rpc · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Regional Planning Commission

County Planning: GIS-NET Public

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-planning · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Regional Planning

Environmental Health: trash and debris

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-health · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Health

Public Health service areas

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-health-area · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Public Health

County Parks: about us

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-parks · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Parks and Recreation

County Library: about us

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-library · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: LA County Library

County District Attorney · official office

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: county-da · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: District Attorney

County Library: department roles

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: county-dept-roles · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Sheriff, Assessor

City trash and bulky item reporting

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: city-trash-guide · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

StreetsLA: sidewalk reporting and repair

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: city-sidewalk-guide · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

MyLA311 service entry point

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: city-311-guide · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

Mayor of Los Angeles — official office

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: mayor-office · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Profile references: Mayor

Mayor’s official press releases

Reviewed 2026-09-18
Reference details

Source ID: mayor-updates · Reviewed: 2026-09-18

Supporting reference for educational content or participation guidance.

City boards and commissions directory

Reviewed 2026-09-19
Reference details

Source ID: commissions-directory · Reviewed: 2026-09-19

Profile references: Board of Airport Commissioners, Board of Animal Services Commissioners, Board of Building and Safety Commissioners, City Ethics Commission, Board of Civil Service Commissioners, Cultural Heritage Commission, Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, Rent Adjustment Commission, Board of Transportation Commissioners, Zoo Commission

City Council: role and powers

Reviewed 2026-09-19
Reference details

Source ID: council-role · Reviewed: 2026-09-19

Profile references: City Council

Mayor: role and powers

Reviewed 2026-09-19
Reference details

Source ID: mayor-role · Reviewed: 2026-09-19

Profile references: Mayor

CAO 2026–27 Blue Book, Volume 1 — Council program, p. 219

Reviewed 2026-09-19
Reference details

Source ID: cla-role · Reviewed: 2026-09-19

Profile references: Office of the Chief Legislative Analyst

City Controller · role

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: controller-direct · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Controller

Controller · audits

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: controller-audits · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Controller

Public Works · department bureaus

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: works-bureaus · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Public Works

City Planning · zoning procedures

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: planning-procedure · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Planning Commission

City Planning · commissions and hearings

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: planning-hearings · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Planning Commission, Central Area Planning Commission, East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, Harbor Area Planning Commission, North Valley Area Planning Commission, South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, South Valley Area Planning Commission, West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission

LAFD · Fire Commission

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: fire-oversight · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Board of Fire Commissioners

Port of Los Angeles · governing board

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: harbor-oversight · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Board of Harbor Commissioners

County Assessor · official office

Reviewed 2026-09-24
Reference details

Source ID: county-assessor-direct · Reviewed: 2026-09-24

Profile references: Assessor

Los Angeles County District Attorney — Meet the DA

Reviewed 2026-09-26
Reference details

Source ID: da-officeholder · Reviewed: 2026-09-26

Profile references: District Attorney

Further reading & civic tools

External research and examples, reviewed September 24, 2026. Inclusion is not endorsement or proof that findings apply to Los Angeles.

City Bureau / Documenters

Programs & real-world examples

Documenters.org: about the network

Programs & real-world examples

Bowling Green — What Could BG Be?

Programs & real-world examples

Earlier Bowling Green report (2018; archived copy; the original site is offline)

Programs & real-world examples

Bowling Green results — StateScoop

Programs & real-world examples

Participatory Budgeting Project

Programs & real-world examples

Polis

Tools & participation frameworks

Decidim

Tools & participation frameworks

CONSUL Democracy

Tools & participation frameworks

Go Vocal

Tools & participation frameworks

MuckRock

Tools & participation frameworks

Participedia

Tools & participation frameworks

People Powered

Tools & participation frameworks

IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation

Tools & participation frameworks

Who Participates in Local Government? Evidence from Meeting Minutes

Studies & evidence

Still Muted: The Limited Participatory Democracy of Zoom Public Meetings

Studies & evidence

Katherine Levine Einstein — research directory

Studies & evidence

Representation in the Housing Process: Best Practices for Improving Racial Equity

Studies & evidence

Financing Dies in Darkness? The Impact of Newspaper Closures on Public Finance

Studies & evidence

Local-news research collections

Studies & evidence

Rebuild Local News: research roundup

Studies & evidence

Testing the Participation Hypothesis: Evidence from Participatory Budgeting

Studies & evidence

How Participatory Budgeting Strengthens Communities and Improves Local Governance

Studies & evidence

OECD — Catching the Deliberative Wave (2020)

Design & evaluation

OECD — Eight Ways to Institutionalise Deliberative Democracy (2021)

Design & evaluation

OECD — Evaluation Guidelines for Representative Deliberative Processes (2021)

Design & evaluation

Frontiers — AI multilingual tools for social innovation (2026)

Design & evaluation

mySociety — Civic Tech Cities

Design & evaluation