About LAFCOs
A Statewide System
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LAFCOs in California
ONE IN EVERY CALIFORNIA COUNTY
Each county has its own LAFCO addressing local circumstances and community needs. All LAFCOs operate under the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 and work to promote orderly development, efficient public services, and the preservation of agricultural and open-space lands.
WHAT DOES A LAFCO DO?
LAFCOs evaluate changes to local government boundaries and services. Although the issues differ from county to county, their principal responsibilities generally fall into four areas.
Boundary Changes
LAFCOs review annexations and other boundary changes involving cities and special districts, as well as proposals to incorporate new cities.
Agency Organization
LAFCOs consider proposals for the formation, consolidation, dissolution, and reorganization of special districts, along with requests by special districts to exercise new or different functions or classes of services.
Municipal Service Reviews
Municipal service reviews examine how public services are provided and consider matters such as service capacity, efficiency, infrastructure, and future needs.
Spheres of Influence
LAFCOs establish and update spheres of influence to identify the probable future boundaries and service areas of cities and special districts.
WHY LAFCOS MATTER
LAFCO decisions address important questions about how communities grow, how public services are organized, and how local agencies coordinate with one another.
Through studies, public hearings, and the review of proposals, LAFCOs provide a public process for evaluating changes that may have long-term effects on communities, infrastructure, and service delivery.
LAFCO work may involve:
- Water and wastewater
- Fire protection
- Parks and recreation
- Public infrastructure
- Local governance
- Long-term planning
Your Voice Matters
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
LAFCO meetings and public hearings are generally open to the public, subject to limited exceptions allowed by law. Community members may review agendas, staff reports, proposals, and planning materials through their local LAFCO and participate in the public decision-making process.
FIND YOUR LOCAL LAFCOA BRIEF HISTORY OF LAFCOS
California created LAFCOs in 1963 in response to concerns about fragmented local government, inefficient service delivery, and unplanned urban sprawl following World War II. The Legislature established this statewide system to help coordinate growth and provide an orderly public process for considering boundary changes and government reorganizations.
Over time, LAFCO responsibilities expanded to include municipal service reviews, spheres of influence, and other planning functions that support long-term coordination among local agencies.
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Explore introductory publications, legal background, training materials, and additional resources about LAFCOs.
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