Governance Matters spotlights the people and ideas making a difference in our democracy in Los Angeles – with the goal of creating a more responsive, more accountable, and more effective government that can better address our challenges and improve people’s lives. Join host Dr. Raphael Sonenshein, the executive director of the Haynes Foundation, for in-depth conversations with decisionmakers, scholars, journalists, and citizens who are helping to reimagine governance and democracy in their communities. Governance Matters is proudly produced by The Haynes Foundation, a force for change in the Los Angeles region for 100 years.
Ep 06: Blue and Purple – Public Attitudes About Reform in LA and Orange County
On this episode of Governance Matters, Dr. Raphe Sonenshein sits down with two public opinion research experts: Dr. Jon Gould, Dean of the School of Social Ecology at UC Irvine, and Dr. Fernando Guerra, Founding Director of StudyLA at LMU. Together, they explore how the counties’ distinct political identities shape voter appetite for reform and whether governance change is indeed contagious.
5 Aug 2026
Ep 05: Covering Charter Reform: L.A. Media Past and Present
On this episode of Governance Matters, Dr. Raphe Sonenshein sits down with Jim Newton, author and former LA Times reporter and editor, and Liz Chou, veteran local government reporter and publisher of The LA Reporter. Together, they discuss media coverage of the charter reform in 1999 and today, and explore how today’s radically changed media landscape affects local governance reform outcomes.
13 Jul 2026
Special Edition: Changes, Charters and the Constitution
On this special edition of Governance Matters, Dr. Raphe Sonenshein joins forces with James-Christian Blockwood, President and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) and host of the Management Matters podcast. Together, they explore parallels and differences between a local charter and the U.S. Constitution, and what these governing guidebooks reveal about civic life locally and nationally.
8 Jun 2026
Ep 03: Rethinking City Hall: Los Angeles Charter Reform Past and Present
Host Dr. Raphael Sonenshein interviews experts on Los Angeles Charter reform, exploring its past and present to foster a more effective local government.
21 May 2026
Ep 02: L.A. County’s Big Makeover: Lessons from the Pitt
Host Dr. Raphael Sonenshein interviews [Guest Name and Credentials] about L.A. County's significant governance changes and the lessons learned.
23 Apr 2026
Ep 01: L.A. County’s Big Makeover: What’s Up with Measure G?
Host Dr. Raphael Sonenshein interviews guests about Los Angeles County's Measure G, exploring its impact on local governance and democracy.
21 Apr 2026
Ep 00: Haynes Foundation - Intro
Host Dr. Raphael Sonenshein interviews leaders about reimagining local governance and democracy for a more effective government.
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