Inglewood Voters Forum Sets Stage for Key Electionstakes
News related to:Inglewood Voters Forum · 2 min read
Inglewood is set to host its first hybrid civic engagement event on October 14, as residents and candidates gather to discuss the city's future. The Inglewood Voters Forum, billed as "Before You Vote: No Excuses," will bring Mayor and City Council Districts 1 and 2 candidates before a panel of three CBS LA journalists at Fr3e Space, located at 214 S. La Brea Ave.
The event, which begins at 6:00 PM, aims to engage the community in shaping the questions candidates will face. Through the Opine app, residents can participate in real-time from the room or from anywhere, with no app download or account required. Verified community voices will guide the conversation, ensuring that the topics discussed are relevant to Inglewood residents.
Inglewood voters will choose a mayor and two City Council members who will lead the city through significant events, including the return of the Super Bowl in February 2027 and the 2028 Olympic Games. Mayor James T. Butts Jr., the city's longest-serving mayor, is seeking a fifth term against five challengers. Twelve candidates are on the ballot across the three races, with seven confirmed to participate as of October 10.
The forum also comes amid one of the most expensive local ballot battles in the region. Measure BB, which would end the City's authority to allow commercial advertising on public streets and sidewalks, has drawn heavy spending from both sides. Campaign filings show that committees backed by Inglewood's stadiums and a billboard company spent more than $3.4 million in the first six months of 2026 alone.
The stakes for Measure BB are high, as city officials estimate that it could cut a billboard revenue stream worth $3 million to $7.5 million a year. Measure AT, which would raise taxes on large-venue event tickets, could bring in $45 million to $50 million more. Voters will also decide on Measure MM, a $396 million Inglewood Unified School District facilities bond.
Proponents and opponents of all three measures have been offered free booth space at the forum, on equal terms. Three have confirmed their participation. The event is designed to be journalist-led, with questions set independently and not shared with campaigns in advance. Panelists can follow up and press for specifics.
The 90-minute forum pairs independent journalism with live community input. Through Opine, residents can rank the issues that matter most, answer open-response questions, and propose solutions. Location verification confirms that responses come from community members, ensuring that the themes the panel draws on reflect Inglewood voices.
Equal rules for every candidate ensure that they receive the same treatment and response time. The event will be professionally recorded, and segments will be posted on CBS LA digital platforms after the event.
Inglewood residents are encouraged to attend or participate remotely through Opine.