About LAFCOs
Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) are independent local government agencies created by the State of California to help coordinate community growth, local government boundaries, and public services.
LAFCOs help communities plan how local government services are provided and how jurisdictional boundaries change over time. While each county has its own local conditions and priorities, all LAFCOs operate under the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 and work to promote efficient services, thoughtful planning, and the preservation of agricultural and open-space lands.
There are 58 LAFCOs in California — one in each county.
What Does a LAFCO Do?
LAFCOs oversee changes to local government boundaries and services within their counties. Their responsibilities often include:
- Annexations and boundary changes involving cities and special districts
- Formation, consolidation, dissolution, and reorganization of special districts
- City incorporations
- Municipal service reviews (MSRs)
- Sphere of influence (SOI) updates
- Activation of latent powers
- Changes in how local government services are provided
LAFCOs also conduct studies and planning efforts related to orderly development, efficient service delivery, and long-term community planning.
Because every county is different, each LAFCO works within its own local conditions and community needs. Issues addressed by one LAFCO can look very different from those in another part of the state.
Why LAFCOs Matter
LAFCO decisions often involve important questions about how communities grow and how services are delivered. This can include issues related to water, wastewater, fire protection, parks and recreation, public infrastructure, governance, and long-term planning.
LAFCOs provide a public process for evaluating these types of changes and encourage coordination among local agencies, service providers, property owners, and the public.
While much of a LAFCO’s work occurs behind the scenes, these decisions can have long-term impacts on local communities and public services.
Public Participation
LAFCO meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in public hearings and discussions regarding proposals and planning efforts within their county.
Meeting agendas, staff reports, and related materials are generally available through each local LAFCO office or website.
Public participation is an important part of the LAFCO process and helps inform local decision-making.
History of LAFCOs
California created LAFCOs in 1963 in response to concerns about fragmented local government, inefficient service delivery, and unplanned urban sprawl occurring throughout the state after World War II.
The Legislature established LAFCOs to help coordinate growth, encourage efficient government services, and provide a public process for evaluating boundary changes and local government reorganizations.
Over time, the responsibilities of LAFCOs expanded to include broader planning and service review functions intended to support long-range local government planning and coordination throughout California.
