City Council

(3) 23-0359 RULES, ELECTIONS, AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT relative to the feasibility of establishing a Democracy Vouchers program in the City. Recommendation for Council action, pursuant to Motion (Raman - et al. – Hernandez - et al.): INSTRUCT the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA), in consultation with the Ethics Commission and relevant City departments, as needed, to report within 90 days the feasibility of establishing a Democracy Vouchers program in the City. The report should include: A demographic and neighborhood-by-neighborhood analysis of donors in City elections. An analysis of the effectiveness of Democracy Vouchers programs in other cities, such as Seattle. Recommendations for the establishment of a Democracy Vouchers program in the City, taking into account: The degree to which a Democracy Vouchers program would increase the share of campaign money coming from within the City. The degree to which a Democracy Vouchers program would increase the share of campaign money coming from people, as opposed to special interest groups. The degree to which a Democracy Vouchers program would make campaign financing more equitable by boosting donations from ZIP codes in the City with a high percentage of people of color. The possibility of creating a hybrid public financing program based upon Democracy Vouchers where raising a certain amount of funds through Democracy Vouchers could result in the award of a grant, or multiple grants, to achieve full public financing, similar to the gubernatorial races in Arizona, Massachusetts and Maine. Whether a Democracy Vouchers program would diversify the demographics of candidates for public office in the City. Whether a Democracy Vouchers program would boost political engagement within the City. Range of options for candidate requirements, including but not limited to public debate requirements, contribution and spending limits, and disclosure agreements. Safeguards to prevent potential fraud and abuse. Staffing requirements. Appropriate budget size and funding options for successful implementation. How a Democracy Vouchers program should work with the City’s current matching funds program.