San Diego County Advances Charter Reforms to Extend Supervisor Term Limits

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday to advance a package of charter reforms that would extend term limits for supervisors from two four-year terms to three, allowing up to 12 years in office. The proposal, introduced by Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, also includes measures to establish an independent ethics commission, enhance transparency in county spending, and align the county’s governance structure more closely with that of the state legislature.

Under the current county charter, supervisors are limited to two consecutive four-year terms, for a maximum of eight years in office. The proposed change would raise that limit to three terms, or 12 years total — matching the term limits for California state senators and assemblymembers. Lawson-Remer argued in the proposal that extending service time would allow supervisors to develop the expertise needed to manage the county’s $8.6 billion budget and serve its 3.3 million residents effectively, whereas still protecting against entrenched leadership through periodic turnover.

The reforms would also create an independent seven-member ethics commission, a nonpartisan budget analyst, and an independent program auditor to strengthen oversight and accountability. The proposal seeks to establish consistent term limits across all county elected offices, including the sheriff and district attorney, though applying term limits to roles such as treasurer-tax collector and assessor/recorder/county clerk would require changes to state law, which currently does not grant counties that authority.

Because the county charter can only be amended by voter approval, the Board of Supervisors must first authorize placing the reforms on the ballot. If approved by the board, the measure would go before voters in November 2026. Lawson-Remer emphasized that the proposal is still under discussion and has not been finalized, noting that she has been consulting with groups including the Center on Policy Initiatives to shape the final package.

Supporters of the reform, including Lawson-Remer and Kyra Greene of the Center on Policy Initiatives, argue that the changes are necessary to improve stability, transparency, and effectiveness in county government, particularly as local agencies take on greater responsibility in filling gaps left by federal leadership. They point to Los Angeles County’s recent shift to an elected county mayor as a potential model for structural reform, while that change will not take full effect until after the November 2028 election.

Critics have raised concerns that extending term limits could entrench incumbent supervisors and reduce opportunities for new voices in leadership. Some county staff have speculated that Lawson-Remer herself could benefit from the change, potentially allowing her to run for a third term or pursue the appointed chief administrative officer role, currently held by Ebony Shelton, if it becomes an elected position.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on April 21 on whether to advance the charter reform package to the November ballot. If approved by the board, San Diego County voters will have the final say on whether to modernize the county’s governing charter for the first time in decades.

Key Takeaways

• The San Diego County Board of Supervisors advanced a charter reform package that would extend supervisor term limits from eight to 12 years.
• The proposal, led by Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, includes ethics oversight, budget transparency, and uniform term limits for county officials.
• Voter approval is required to amend the county charter, with a potential ballot measure in November 2026.
• The changes aim to align county governance with state legislative term limits and improve long-term effectiveness in managing a large, complex jurisdiction.
• Applying term limits to certain county offices like sheriff or assessor would require state-level legal changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current term limits for San Diego County supervisors?

Under the existing county charter, supervisors are limited to two four-year terms, for a maximum of eight consecutive years in office.

How would the proposed charter reform change term limits?

Who must approve changes to the San Diego County charter?

Only voters can adopt or amend the county charter. The Board of Supervisors can place a proposal on the ballot, but final approval requires a majority vote in a countywide election.

When could voters decide on the proposed reforms?

If the Board of Supervisors approves placing the measure on the ballot on April 21, 2026, voters would decide in the November 2026 general election.

Does the proposal affect other county elected officials?

Yes, the package includes establishing consistent term limits for all county elected offices, including the sheriff and district attorney. However, applying term limits to roles such as treasurer-tax collector and assessor/recorder/county clerk would require changes to state law.