Author: Meta-Governance Working Group Stewards
Summary
This Temp Check seeks community input on working group funding during the ENS Retro period:
Should working groups operate on a continuity budget (~$234,000 for 4 months) or continue with the full approved funding ($959,000 USDC + 15 ETH)?
This post also provides clarity on election timing. Metagov will resume Term 7 steward elections on April 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the Retro.
Context
The ENS community recently navigated two competing visions for the DAO’s future. The proposal to replace working groups with an ENS Admin Panel was rejected, while the ENS Retro proposal passed.
The Retro establishes a 4-month independent retrospective (December 2025 – April 2026) during which:
- Current Term 6 stewards continue serving
- Working group elections are paused
- Metagov.org conducts an independent analysis of DAO spending, outputs, and governance
It’s worth noting that working group funding was approved in the October 2025 funding window. This funding runs through April 2026, coinciding with the end of the retrospective.
Working Group Funding: Two Paths Forward
In discussions among Metagov stewards, we’ve identified two reasonable approaches to working group funding during the retro period. We want to present both options transparently and hear from the community.
Option A: Continuity Extension
Under this approach, Metagov would request only what is strictly necessary to maintain continuity:
| Item | Monthly Cost | 4-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| Steward Compensation (9 stewards) | $40,500 | $162,000 |
| Secretary Compensation | $5,500 | $22,000 |
| Scribe Compensation | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| Minimal Operational Reserve | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Total | $58,500 | $234,000 |
Rationale: All nine stewards across Meta-Governance, Ecosystem, and Public Goods have agreed to remain in their roles through the retrospective. This option ensures stewards, the secretary, and the scribe are compensated for continued service while minimizing DAO expenditure during a period of evaluation. The operational reserve covers essential costs (Legal retainer, tooling, operations, etc.) without funding new initiatives.
Implementation: Rather than returning funds to treasury and requesting new allocations, this approach would involve “topping up” working group safes only as needed to cover the 4-month period. The outcome of the Retro can then inform any decisions about remaining funds.
Option B: Continue With Approved Funding
Under this approach, working groups continue operating under the funding already approved in October 2025:
| Working Group | Approved Amount |
|---|---|
| Meta-Governance | $379,000 USDC |
| Ecosystem | $470,000 USDC |
| Public Goods | $110,000 USDC + 15 ETH |
| Total | $959,000 USDC + 15 ETH |
Rationale: This funding was approved three months ago. Funding would only change if the outcome of the retro and subsequent proposal(s) updates or dissolves some or all of the working groups.
A Note on EP4
EP4 (Working Group Rules) is clear on fund handling:
- Rule 2.2: If a dissolution proposal is active, all working group funds are frozen pending the outcome.
- Rule 2.3: Upon dissolution, unspent funds must be returned to the DAO treasury immediately.
Importantly, the Retro is not a dissolution proposal. Working groups remain active with extended steward terms. EP4 dissolution rules do not apply unless a separate dissolution proposal is formally introduced.
That said, the context in which October funding was approved has evolved. The community may reasonably ask whether the original budget decisions should be revisited, given the pause on elections and the evaluation underway. We welcome that discussion.
Election Timeline: What to Expect
Under normal circumstances, Term 7 nominations would have opened in early December 2025, with elections concluding mid-December and new terms beginning January 1, 2026.
The Retro proposal pauses this process. Current steward terms are extended through the retrospective period.
Target Date for Term 7 Elections: April 1, 2026 (not a joke)
Barring any new proposal to the contrary, Metagov will initiate the Term 7 steward nomination and election cycle on April 1, 2026, immediately following the conclusion of the ENS Retro. The election schedule will follow standard procedures:
What We’re Asking From the Community
Before moving forward, Metagov wants to understand:
- Which funding approach do you support? Option A (Top-up) or Option B (approved funding)?
- Are there concerns about election timing that we haven’t addressed?
- What additional clarity would be helpful as we navigate this period?
The Retro represents an opportunity for the DAO to reflect and strengthen. Metagov is committed to transparent communication throughout this process. We’ll continue providing updates as the retrospective progresses.
Next Steps
- Gather community feedback on this discussion post
- Bring forward any necessary proposals based on community input
- Provide regular updates as the Retro proceeds