Proposal: Governance Framework Update (Scroll DAO 2.0)

General
1

Proposal

Governance Framework Update (Scroll DAO 2.0) – Delegate Architecture, Operations and DAO Execution

Proposal Type

  • Governance and Operations
  • Social Ratifications

Author(s)

Juan Molina (Scroll Foundation) alongside the Governance Council (SEED Gov and ETH TGU) and the delegate community through the Co-Creation Sprint of Q4 2025

Summary

This proposal defines a new governance operating framework for Scroll DAO focused on improving delegation quality, accountability, execution capacity, and measurable ecosystem impact.

The proposal introduces the following elements
• Staked SCR as the long term foundation of delegation
• An enhanced Verified Delegate role with clearer expectations
• A shift toward an execution oriented committee structure
• A formal DAO budget and treasury allocation framework
• Clear separation between execution and accountability
• Structured DAO operated programs with explicit ownership

This proposal approves direction, structure, and operating principles, with phased implementation aligned to SCR Staking and governance infrastructure readiness.

Motivation

Scroll DAO governance matured significantly throughout 2025, but several challenges became increasingly visible.

• Delegation participation is uneven and difficult to sustain
• Inactive delegation reduces governance signal quality
• Execution responsibility is diffuse and limits accountability
• Budget usage lacks standardized operational ownership
• Prior structures optimized decentralization before execution readiness

Feedback during the Co Creation Sprint highlighted a strong desire to prioritize impact, execution, and accountability, even if this requires a more centralized starting point. “Organization is necessary to unlock effective decentralization over time.”

This proposal focuses on building a strong operational prototype first, while preserving the DAO’s authority to evolve, decentralize, and formalize elections once the system is proven.

Execution

Operational

Delegate Architecture

• Staked SCR is approved as the foundational element of future delegation
• A re delegation event will occur after SCR Staking is live

Verified Delegates

• The Verified Delegate role is strengthened and clarified
• The initial cohort will be selected by the Scroll Foundation
• The DAO will define the future selection and election process
• The initial cohort is expected to be capped at approximately thirty participants based on demonstrated participation

Evaluation signals include
• Consistent participation over the past six months
• Approximately eighty percent or higher voting participation
• Delegation from at least ten unique delegators
• Recognized and trackable onchain ecosystem contribution

These criteria are guidelines rather than rigid requirements and primarily define expectations for maintaining the role.

Inactive Delegation

• The Auto Abstain wallet remains active until the re delegation event
• Front end inactive delegation signaling will be introduced after SCR Staking is live

Governance Principles and Decision-Making

The DAO adopts updated governing principles focused on performance, native builder support, and impact and accountability.

  1. SCR token performance
    Governance will actively support the long term value, sustainability, and market confidence of SCR. Incentives, emissions, and treasury actions will prioritize durable value creation, increased utility, and sustained demand rather than short term extraction.

  2. Support native builders
    Governance will prioritize Scroll native teams and contributors by reducing friction to launch, scale, and retain users on Scroll. Capital, operational support, and ecosystem visibility will favor ecosystem first development.

  3. Maximum impact and accountability
    All DAO initiatives must aim to create positive sum impact for Scroll. Outcomes will be measurable, comparable, and reviewable, with funding and mandates tied to demonstrated performance rather than intent.

This proposal introduces explicit clarifications regarding the DAO’s voting mechanisms and governance roles. Referendum voting will continue to serve as the default decision making mechanism for the DAO, ensuring broad participation on decisions of general importance. Optimistic and simple voting mechanisms will be introduced once they are fully implemented and supported within the governance infrastructure, enabling more efficient decision making for operational or lower risk actions. In parallel, new proposal types with differentiated voting cycles will be introduced progressively, allowing the DAO to better align voting requirements with the complexity, urgency, and impact of each decision.

In addition, this proposal formalizes changes to governance facilitation and administrative authority. The Operations Committee will assume the Governance Facilitator role, transitioning day to day governance coordination and proposal facilitation away from the Scroll Foundation. The Scroll Foundation will retain veto authority across the governance process and will also serve as a second Governor Admin for the DAO, ensuring the ability to intervene in exceptional circumstances. In limited cases where changes are deemed critical to the DAO’s success, certain social ratifications may be executed at the discretion of the Scroll Foundation without requiring a formal DAO vote, with the intent of preserving agility while maintaining overall accountability.

Budget and Treasury Framework

• Scroll DAO will operate under a defined budget, denominated the Treasury Allocation
• The Treasury Allocation will be provisioned quarterly by the Scroll Foundation treasury team
• Distribution of the allocation will be approved through a bi annual DAO vote
• Requests exceeding the approved allocation will require coordination with the Foundation

Treasury funds will be managed through a multisig wallet jointly controlled by
• Operations Committee
• Accountability Committee
• Scroll Foundation

2026 H1 Budget Distribution:

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DAO Organizational Structure

Operations Committee

• Responsible for execution, coordination, and stewardship
• Oversees program management and governance facilitation
• Initial roles include operations, program execution, and marketing
• Designed as the minimum viable structure required for impact

Accountability Committee

• Responsible for oversight, reporting, and accountability
• Includes a lead and operational role
• Works directly with the Scroll Foundation to measure outcomes

Initial committee members will be selected by the Scroll Foundation only after this proposal passes. The DAO will design and approve future election and rotation processes during 2026.

This structure intentionally introduces a managerial layer to ensure responsibility and execution ownership, reflecting lessons learned from prior governance experiments.

Delegate Incentives and Contribution Programs

Two incentive layers are formalized. Administered by the Operations and Accountability Committees with input from relevant Foundation teams

Governance Contribution Recognition
• Continues as the retroactive mechanism for compensating governance participation

Delegate Contribution Program
• Introduced as a proactive contribution layer
• Supports non governance work such as content, research, and program execution
• Operates as a structured contribution or bounty system

The DAO should prioritize evolving these incentive mechanisms toward a proactive model that sets clear expectations and deliverables upfront, rather than relying primarily on retroactive incentives, which can be subjective and inefficient in terms of budget allocation and impact measurement.

DAO Operated Programs

Community Allocation

  • Community Support Grants Program
  • Local Nodes with an updated framework expected in the first quarter of 2026

Ecosystem Allocation

  • Founder Enablement for teams exiting OpenEconomy and BD pipelines
    – Security Subsidy Program through existing audit partnerships (Areta and ImmuneFi)
    – Future infrastructure subsidies such as gas, tooling, or RPC
  • Creator Fund to support native project content

The operational execution and accountability of all DAO operated programs will remain the responsibility of the Operations Committee and the Accountability Committee. Decision making for each program category will be conducted jointly by the operational committees and the relevant Scroll Foundation domain expert teams. The role of delegates is to support this process by proposing, shaping, and continuously improving programs to ensure they remain efficient, impactful, and aligned with the DAO’s objectives.

Personnel and Resources

• Initial Operations and Accountability Committee members selected by the Foundation
• DAO responsible for defining standardized selection processes in the first quarter of 2026
• Contributor roles prioritize demonstrated capacity and skill rather than popularity

Financial

• DAO operates within a fixed annual allocation of $1.52m
• Budget includes operations, accountability, delegate incentives, and community and ecosystem programs
• Additional funding requests require coordination with the Scroll Foundation

Evaluation

Success will be measured through
• Increased active delegation participation
• Reduction of inactive voting power
• Faster execution cycles
• Clear reporting and accountability
• Tangible ecosystem outcomes tied to budget usage

Quarterly reporting from the Operations and Accountability Committee will be required.

Conclusion

This proposal approves a new operating direction for Scroll DAO governance that prioritizes execution, accountability, and measurable impact while preserving DAO authority over future decentralization and elections.

It establishes the minimum viable structure required to move forward effectively in 2026, with explicit intent to evolve as infrastructure, participation, and capacity mature.

15 Likes
LifeofDan-EL Delegate Thread
2

I support this proposal. It provides a lean structure that will help the DAO move forward. I especially like that the Ops & Accountability committees will oversee the Delegate Incentives and Contribution Programs, thereby avoiding overlap with other structures.

2 Likes
jameskbh Delegate Thread
3

What I like most about this proposal is the focus on responsibility, clear roles, a defined budget, and named committees making it easier to know who is actually doing the work and who answers when things go wrong. That kind of clarity is necessary if the DAO wants to move from discussion to delivery.

I also appreciate the idea of starting a bit more centralized and then opening things up over time. That feels realistic. You cannot decentralize chaos and expect good results. You need a system that works first.

Overall, this feels like a step toward a more serious and effective DAO. Not perfect, but thoughtful, practical, and clearly shaped by lessons learned.

I support this proposal

3 Likes
4

Overall, I am in favor of the proposed governance updates across delegation architecture, governance mechanisms, organizational structure, and DAO-operated programs. I believe these changes move Scroll DAO toward a more execution-oriented, accountable, and sustainable governance model, while preserving the DAO’s ability to decentralize further over time.

That said, I want to strongly emphasize one critical concern:

The upcoming re-delegation event tied to SCR staking is a true make-or-break moment for Scroll DAO and the protocol’s credibility. If executed well, it can significantly strengthen trust, participation, and long-term alignment. If executed poorly, it risks damaging confidence in both governance and the ecosystem.

Because of this, this transition should be treated as a protocol-level event, not merely a governance formality.

In particular, more clarity is needed around the timeline and process for selecting the initial Verified Delegates:

  • When will selection begin?
  • Will delegates have time to prepare, communicate, and mobilize?
  • How can delegates actively participate in the lead-up?

I strongly believe delegate-led campaigning and visibility are essential. This event will not succeed organically. We need:

  • Clear communication
  • Coordinated messaging
  • Delegates actively educating, promoting, and rallying participation

For SCR staking to succeed, we need people buying the token, staking it, delegating, and feeling confident in the governance direction. That requires aligned incentives and a coordinated marketing and communication push, with delegates playing a visible and active role.

In short: this transition is critical, critical, critical. It is a make-it-or-break-it moment for DAO legitimacy and protocol trust, and it deserves careful planning, strong coordination, and intentional execution.

6 Likes
5

We support the proposal. We agree with what has been proposed and that priority should be given to obtaining tangible results. This will enable us to achieve and promote active, constant, responsible participation with the growth of the DAO as a common goal.

1 Like
6

Thanks a lot to the Governance Council for putting this proposal together and working through it over the past few weeks. After the discussions about minimizing governance or even sunsetting the DAO, and the subsequent three-month pause, this is a very positive development.

The proposed changes are far less “radical” than expected, they mostly align with previous work and the progressive decentralization model. While I still don’t see the need for pausing governance in the first place, I’m glad to see a renewed commitment to the DAO, and alignment with the Scroll protocol layer.

Most parts of the proposal have already been presented and discussed in recent co-creation calls, so I don’t have much to add at this stage. For several initiatives, the details still need to be scoped out, e.g. the redelegation event pointed out by @mexi, or the committee structure. I’m looking forward to seeing how these evolve next year.

6 Likes
7

We appreciate the clarity and ambition behind this proposal. The Scroll DAO 2.0 framework represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening governance structure, accountability, and long-term coordination across the ecosystem.

We see strong value in the clearer separation of roles, the improved definition of responsibilities, and the effort to balance efficiency with decentralization. These changes address real coordination challenges and help create a more resilient governance system as Scroll continues to scale.

From our perspective, a few points are especially positive:

  • The emphasis on clearer processes and expectations for contributors and councils.
  • The move toward more sustainable governance operations, reducing friction and ambiguity.
  • The alignment with Scroll’s broader roadmap and ecosystem maturity.

Overall, we believe this proposal sets a solid foundation for the next phase of Scroll governance. We support the direction and see it as an important evolution toward a more effective, transparent, and scalable DAO.

1 Like
8

Thank you to the Scroll Foundation and fellow delegates for pushing this process forward.

I believe this proposal represents a meaningful evolution in how Scroll DAO organizes itself for clarity, impact and responsibility.

I’m especially grateful that several ideas explored during the Co-Creation Sprint have landed in this version. And I remain optimistic about the DAO’s ability to continue refining the model.

Por example, I think a focus of attention going forward will be the distinction (and coordination) between operational committees and the delegate contribution layer, to ensure that accountability is maintained throughout the execution.

I also agree that (external) campaigning and visibility are as important as maintaining (internal) consistency. This could put Scroll in the spotlight as a cutting-edge protocol with the right momentum.

2026 will bring new challenges and many opportunities. I’ll be happy to share them with you all. :sparkles:

8 Likes
9

I am in favor of moving this proposal for vote and will vote in favor. I see it as the base to continue working and experimenting with decentralized governance.

There’s still a lot to do regarding the delegate’s work-approach. In the last Miro session we had there are valuable points to keep in mind and use to draft a delegate strategy and campaign.

Regarding the local nodes it is not clear yet what will the strategy be, so am looking forward for next year’s post about the new Local Node framework.

4 Likes
10

I support this proposal. It provides a solid backbone for delegates and the wider community to move forward with clearer structure.

I’m especially eager to see how the updated Local Nodes framework takes shape and how it aligns with Scroll’s broader vision, particularly around supporting native builders and regional ecosystem growth.

2 Likes
11

I’m in strong support of this proposal and I’m looking forward to voting in favor for it later this week.

The CCC calls in Nov/December truly demonstrated to me that the Foundation is not only flexible and adaptive based upon delegate feedback during the CCC process, that this has given me a strong indicator that with these changes that the DAO, Foundation and most importantly, the Scroll ecosystem will not only survive but succeed if the delegates and Foundation continues to work in this new partnership. It feels like the DAO has actually grown up and will become sustainable - not only financially but operationally.

I also echo some of @mexi concerns about the re-delegation event for SCR, but I don’t see it as a delegate led campaign for awareness, but more of a DAO + Foundation coordinated communications effort to promote current and aligned delegates. I actually see the Marketing operations role as being pivotal in helping this campaign succeed.

I’m looking forward to this New Year and the future for the DAO, Foundation and the Scroll ecosystem, as I see the future very bright.

4 Likes
12

Happy new year fellow delegates.

I’m in strong support of this proposal. Over the last few months, it’s become clear that the DAO and the Foundation are working together in a more synchronized and transparent way. The insights shared during the recent alignment sessions reinforced my confidence that this evolving model can make Scroll more resilient ,not just structurally, but culturally.

I especially appreciate the way this proposal embeds mechanisms for accountability and continuity. It speaks to a maturing ecosystem that’s learning from its past cycles and iterating thoughtfully. The balance between long-term vision and near-term execution feels right, and I believe it provides the delegates with a stronger framework to act with clarity and purpose.

3 Likes
13

This is a great initiative to keep experimenting with the DAO approach. I am particularly supportive of the focus on accountability and execution.

Regarding the selection of the initial cohort of ~30 Verified Delegates: Given the new requirements, would it make sense for the Foundation to introduce a application form?

While on-chain metrics (voting participation, delegation count) are important, an application process would allow delegates to explicitly signal their commitment and highlight off-chain contributions that might be missed by data alone.

3 Likes
14

Hi all,

Coordination for the re-delegation event is the key component for success. This is something we are well aware of and are keeping top of mind.

As for verified delegation, yes, there will be an application process. A simple form that asks you for a few items and then Scroll Foundation will be in charge of the selection of that first cohort. We will also start the discussion soon of how future delegates can apply or join this cohort, also fleshing out the implications of being a verified delegate (a much more robust role, not just a title).

6 Likes
15

Happy New Year, everyone.

LAD is happy to support this proposal. It genuinely feels like a step forward for the DAO and shows a clear intention to build a stronger, better-organized community. The layered structure and the focus on accountability are especially encouraging, and they give a real sense that we’re moving in the right direction.

Of course, what matters most is how it all comes together in practice, but from what’s been outlined here, we’re optimistic and excited about what’s ahead.

Great work from everyone involved. Let’s keep building.

2 Likes
16

We support the Scroll 2.0 proposal and will vote FOR.

Despite the recent pause in Scroll’s governance, the Foundation and delegates managed to reach a consensus to reestablish the DAO and restore continuity to the Scroll DAO, which is a very positive outcome.

Under the new model, some degree of centralization will remain. Committees and optimistic governance will concentrate decision-making among a small group, increasing agility and operational efficiency. That said, a clear path toward progressive decentralization is essential once the protocol’s core objectives are met.

The migration to $sSCR (staked SCR) effectively represents a reset of Scroll’s governance, similar to the launch of a new project token.

Concerns raised by Mexi and Coffee Crusher about the need for a clearly defined redelegation plan are fully shared, particularly regarding how this transition period will be managed and how Verified Delegates will be selected.

At the moment, an incentive program is being designed by us for ENS to attract token holders to delegate to high-participation delegates, such as Verified Delegates. Should this analysis prove useful to Scroll’s planning process, it can be found here.

2 Likes
17

Thanks for sharing this, @Juansito a lot of hard-earned lessons I have seen elsewhere. Designing for impact first, then decentralizing further once the system works, feels like the right sequencing. I do appreciate reading this considering the temporary pause.

I particularly like the separation of execution vs accountability, staking as the foundation for delegation, and the move toward committee ownership with clear budgets and reporting. Treating governance as an operating system; not just voting, is an important step here!

As long as the DAO retains the ability to iterate, decentralize further, and formalize elections once proven, this feels like a pragmatic and healthy direction. Feel free to reach out to me if I can be of any help in this process <3

2 Likes
18

I voted FOR because this update brings much-needed structure without killing flexibility. Scroll DAO 2.0 clearly learns from what didn’t work before and shifts governance toward execution, accountability, and outcomes, not just process for process’ sake. Clearer roles, scoped mandates, and budget ownership give contributors room to actually ship, while keeping the DAO in control and able to iterate. This is a necessary pivot to move to serious ecosystem building.

4 Likes
19

The following reflects the views of the Lampros DAO governance team, based on our combined research, analysis, and ideation.

We are voting FOR this proposal.

Over the last year, Scroll DAO learned that participation alone is not enough without clear execution ownership. This framework responds to that by prioritizing responsibility, delivery, and accountability, while keeping long-term control with the DAO.

The new structure gives contributors clearer mandates and budgets, making it easier to move from discussion to results. We also see this as a healthy reset after the recent governance pause, helping restore alignment and continuity between the Foundation and delegates.

Basing delegation on staked SCR raises the bar for participation and creates stronger alignment going forward. While some early centralization is part of the design, we are comfortable with that trade-off if it leads to faster execution and clearer accountability, with decentralization remaining an explicit next step.

The upcoming re-delegation phase will be critical, and clear communication and transparency around Verified Delegates will matter.

We wish everyone a happy new year and look forward to building a stronger Scroll ecosystem in 2026 under this updated governance framework.

2 Likes
Lampros DAO Delegate Thread
20

Thanks to Juan, the Governance Council, and everyone involved in the co-creation sprint for putting this together. We at So So Scaled! strongly support this proposal.

Scroll DAO 2.0 feels like a solid and necessary step, starting a bit more structured and decentralizing further once things work in practice.

We’re especially happy to see a strong focus on founder enablement and BD pipelines. Helping teams turn their tech into real growth and adoption is key for the ecosystem long term.

It’s also great to see marketing framed not just as execution, but as something that’s tied to strategy, planning, and measurable impact. That alignment is often missing in Web3 and will make a noticable difference once ecosystems start to scale.

Overall, this sets a good foundation to move faster, learn, and keep improving while staying aligned with the DAO’s long-term goals.

2 Likes