Rate Changes Through Proactive Community Partnership

In response to evolving infrastructure needs and regulatory pressures, Los Angeles County Public Works (Public Works) needed to increase sewer and water service rates. 

The proposed rate changes will enable Public Works to continue providing necessary services to over 260,000 residents in 38 cities to provide safe drinking water, reduce sewer overflows, avoid beach closures and protect public health. The pursuit of these rate changes triggered the Proposition 218 process, a California law that requires all utilities to provide ratepayers with a genuine opportunity to determine whether to consent to or oppose the change.

Proposition 218 is a California law that gives taxpayers the right to vote on all local taxes and requires taxpayer approval of property-related assessments and fees. 

Public Works, in partnership with HDR and several community-based organizations (CBOs), provided robust public outreach efforts to educate the public and local governments about the essential services that Public Works provides and the need for a rate increase. This education campaign started two years before the Proposition 218 process as a testament to foundational equity and transparency.

HDR coordinated with various divisions within Public Works, attending in-person community events, holding open houses, facilitating CBO working group discussions, surveying, providing culturally accurate educational materials in several languages, and implementing equity-centered outreach and engagement strategies.

As part of the outreach initiative, our team developed multi-lingual infographics and videos to deconstruct the complexities associated with the operational needs behind this rate change and to explain the critical importance of these services for the community at large.

These outreach efforts led to increased public awareness and participation. With this extensive campaign, fewer than 1% of property owners submitted formal protests, allowing the rate adjustments to proceed. The campaign demonstrated how proactive communication can build trust and maximize compliance. Rates for the Public Works sewer maintenance districts were approved in June 2025, while the rates for the Public Works Waterworks districts received approval from the LA County Board of Supervisors in December 2025.