FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026
Contact: (213) 269-4639 | info@causeusa.org
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Governance Reform Task Force (GRTF) unanimously elected Nancy Yap, Executive Director of the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), to serve as Chair and selected Dr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics at Pomona College, to serve as Chair Pro Tem during its June 10 meeting.
The leadership appointments come at a pivotal moment as the 13 member Task Force enters a critical stage of Measure G implementation. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations related to major governance reforms, including the elected County Executive, Board expansion, and ethics and accountability measures.
Yap's election follows a year of service on the Governance Reform Task Force as Chair Pro Tem. The selection reflects the confidence of her fellow Task Force members in her ability to guide the Task Force through the next stage of Measure G implementation and lead a process grounded in collaboration, transparency, and public engagement.
"As we move into the next stage of implementation, I hope people stay engaged, ask questions, and share their perspectives," Yap said. "This work will be stronger when more voices are part of the conversation, and I am committed to creating space for those voices to be heard."
Joining Yap in leadership is Dr. Sara Sadhwani, professor of politics at Pomona College and a nationally recognized expert on voting rights and representation. During the Task Force's first year, she helped lead recommendations related to ethics, accountability, budgeting, and community voice. A longtime supporter of CAUSE's leadership development programs, Dr. Sadhwani has frequently spoken with participants about representation, voting rights, and civic leadership.
Measure G was approved by Los Angeles County voters in 2024 to strengthen transparency, accountability, public participation, and representation in County government. The Governance Reform Task Force will continue engaging residents and stakeholders as it develops recommendations to help guide implementation of the voter approved charter amendment.
"For more than 30 years, CAUSE has worked to develop Asian American leaders who shape Los Angeles," said Charlie Woo, CAUSE Board Chair. "We are proud to see two accomplished Asian American women helping lead one of the most important governance reform efforts in County history. Their leadership reflects the progress our communities have made and helps ensure our voices are represented as Los Angeles County charts its future."
To learn more about the Los Angeles County Governance Reform Task Force, visit:
https://measureg.lacounty.gov/governance-reform-task-force/
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About CAUSE:
The Center for Asian Americans United for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to advance the civic and political empowerment of Asian Pacific American communities. Through leadership development, voter education, and policy advocacy, CAUSE builds a more inclusive and representative democracy. Learn more at www.causeusa.org.