Los Angeles County Settles for $2 Million with CEO Fesia Davenport

Los Angeles County has reached a confidential settlement, awarding $2 million to its Chief Executive Officer, Fesia Davenport, amid controversies surrounding a reform package that will replace her position with an elected manager. Official records reveal that the settlement was approved on August 15, 2025, following a closed session discussion during the Board of Supervisors meeting on July 29. The details emerged from a report by LAist.

The settlement stems from issues related to Measure G, a governance reform package adopted by voters in November 2024. Davenport claims that aspects of the measure, particularly the proposal to transition from an appointed to an elected CEO, have harmed her reputation, leading to embarrassment and emotional distress. According to documents labeled “Confidential General Release Agreement,” the county’s payment compensates her for the perceived damage linked to the measure’s content.

One of the most contentious elements of Measure G is the replacement of the appointed CEO role with an elected position, set to take effect in 2028. This change effectively requires Davenport to campaign for her job against potential challengers among the 5.8 million registered voters in Los Angeles County. In a letter dated August 12, 2024, addressed to Lindsey Horvath, one of the co-authors of the reform, Davenport expressed her concerns that the discussions surrounding the elected CEO suggestion implied that she was ineffective as a leader.

Davenport’s letter articulated that the measure “impunes my professional reputation,” suggesting that the reform insinuated “undesirable attributes” regarding her leadership. She noted that the text of Measure G indicated difficulties faced by the Board of Supervisors and proposed that an elected CEO would be better equipped to drive results.

In her correspondence, Davenport further argued that after 27 years with the county, the implementation of Measure G would shorten her career, potentially jeopardizing her retirement benefits. She had sought an extension of her contract through November 2030, allowing for a transitional overlap with the incoming elected county CEO. Instead of extending her contract, the county opted for the settlement, which does not acknowledge the validity of her claims, effectively releasing the county from further liability.

The governance reform task force established to implement Measure G has drawn mixed reactions. Kathryn Barger, a Fifth District Supervisor who opposed the measure, appointed John Fasana, a former Duarte City Councilmember, to the task force. Barger has voiced strong objections to the notion of an elected county CEO, arguing that it introduces unnecessary political dynamics into the role. Fasana commented that he did not interpret the language of Measure G or Davenport’s letters as a reflection of her job performance, asserting that the focus was on developing a stronger governance model.

Davenport is currently on medical leave, a situation she has stated is unrelated to the settlement. She is expected to return to her role early next year. As CEO, Davenport manages a substantial budget of $52.5 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and has played a crucial role in achieving a 5.5% reduction in spending.

The implications of Measure G and the surrounding controversies will continue to resonate as Los Angeles County navigates this significant shift in governance. The outcome will not only affect Davenport’s career but also redefine the leadership structure within one of the largest counties in the United States.