Welcome to the resource page for special districts and Local Agency Formation Commissions.
Special Districts and LAFCo
Information on special districts in California and the interactions between special districts and LAFCo.
MSRs, SOIs and Special Districts
Presentation on municipal service reviews, spheres of influence, and changes in state law that affect LAFCo and special districts. Presented at the 2007 California Special District Association annual conference.
Community Service District Law
As of January 1, 2006 the new Community Services District (CSD) law took effect. The rewrite of the old 1955 law was done in a collaborative effort by the Senate Local Government Committee. It now provides a viable local government option for communities in unincorporated areas of the state.
CSD Law Update -- Information for LAFCos (doc)
CSD Law Revision Background (doc)
The Senate Local Government Committee has published Community Needs, Community Services which includes the text of the new Community Service District Law and commentary on every section. The publication is available by clicking: Community Needs, Community Services. A 'word' version is available at the Senate Local Government Committee website; click: CNCS Report.
Working with Your LAFCo
Keys to building stronger relationships.
What's So Special About Special Districts
This third edition of the Citizen's Guide to Special Districts explains what special districts are, their history, authority, legal powers, and different ways to understand them. It also tells you where to get more information about special districts and how to form a new district in your community.
Consolidating, Dissolving and Merging Special Districts
This white paper provides an overview of the typical methods for extinguishing special districts: consolidations, dissolutions, mergers and the establishment of subsidiary districts.
Consolidation of Unlike Districts
In 2007 legislation was signed into law which removed the sunset on the authority for LAFCo to consolidate districts formed under different laws, and added the ability for LAFCo to initiate a proposal to form a successor district.
CSDA Guide to Special District Laws and Codes
Published by the California Special Districts Association, this is an excellent reference guide to the myriad of statutes that affect local governments and special district governance.
Integrity & Accountability: Exploring Special Districts' Governance
Summary of hearings conducted by the Senate Local Government Committee (24 Nov 2003).
State Controller Reports
Key information for LAFCo fiscal matters. For special district financial reports from the State Controller click: Current Local Government Financial Reports.
Seating Special Districts on LAFCo
California law allows independent special districts to hold a seat on the Local Agency Formation Commission in their county. Currently half of the LAFCos (29) have special district representatives on the commission. The information below is designed to assist independent special districts in obtaining a seat on LAFCo.
Map of Special District Representation on LAFCo
Yellow indicates those LAFCos with special district representation
Process for Seating Districts on LAFCo
Steps and references to government codes governing the seating of special districts on LAFCo.
Sample District Resolution
Sample resolution for a District to request a seat on LAFCo. At least 50% of the independent special districts in the county must pass such a resolution.
Sample Invitation for Districts to Participate
Often the special districts host a meeting for district boardmembers and staff to discuss seating on LAFCo. This is a sample invitation to such a meeting.
Sample "What is LAFCo" Information Sheets for Districts
Sample Alternative Funding MOU
State law allows alternative methods to spread the costs of LAFCo beyond the one-third each to cities, county, and special districts. This is an example of an MOU created for an alternative funding formula.
Links to Other Resources
Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act (2007 update) - Governing law for LAFCos
California Special Districts Association
Special District Leadership Foundation
Association of California Healthcare Districts
Association of California Water Agencies
California Association of Public Cemeteries
California Association of Recreation and Parks Districts
California Association of Resource Conservation Districts
California Association of Sanitation Agencies
California Rural Water Association
Fire Districts Association of California
Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California