The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis. Each Board Member is appointed by the Mayor for a five-year term, subject to approval by the City Council. The Board has two committees that are composed of two Board members, the Commission Task Force on Facility Repair and Maintenance and the Commission Task Force on Concession.

RAP is semi-proprietary, like the Library, meaning the department is responsible for some of its own collection, spending, and support. As outlined in the City Charter, RAP has a dedicated stream of revenue, receiving 0.0325% of assessed value of all property, but is eligible to get additional money from the City Council. Elected officials play a key oversight and policymaking role for RAP. In addition to representing community interests and adopting policies that guide planning and programming, RAP’s annual operating budget is proposed by the Mayor of LA and adopted by the City Council. Any funding allocated by Charter Mandate or that RAP generates directly is controlled, appropriated, and expended by the RAP Board of Commissioners.

In addition to controlling its own funds, the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners creates necessary staffing positions and authorizes RAP to carry out the powers and duties imposed by the City Charter, like the control and management of all recreation and park sites, establishment of policies, execution of contracts and agreements, and acquisition of property. Council can adopt ordinances to change park rules, hours, and jurisdiction. Only Council can condemn property. Only DCP can require land dedications for park purposes for residential developments.

The figures below highlight what RAP has the authority to control from the City Charter and administrative code and what falls outside of their authority. Generally, what RAP has authority to do requires Board approval.