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Reports & White Papers
Explore CALAFCO reports, research papers, legal memoranda, and historical materials addressing LAFCO law, policy, and practice.
Historical Research Collection
Reports & Memoranda Archive
These materials document important developments in LAFCO history, law, and procedure. Because older publications may reference superseded statutes or practices, confirm current requirements before relying on them. Materials are listed with the most recent publication first.
Protest Proceedings · 2009
The Good, the Bad and the Confusing: Current Protest Requirements
Best Best & Krieger memorandum
An inventory and analysis of protest procedures under the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000.
CKH Implementation · 2001
Reinventing LAFCO After the Year 2000
Training material examining changes to LAFCO law following enactment of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000.
LAFCO History · 1988
25-Year Summary of LAFCO Activity: 1963–1988
A historical summary of LAFCO activity during the first 25 years following the creation of local agency formation commissions.
Policy and Practice Resources
White Papers
CALAFCO white papers provide research, background, and practical guidance on issues affecting LAFCOs and California’s communities. Materials are listed with the most recent publication first.
Government Code Section 56133 · 2022
Planning for a Sustainable and Predictable Future
Examines LAFCO authority to determine eligibility for exemptions under Government Code section 56133(e).
Special District Governance · Revised 2021
Metamorphosis of Special Districts
CALAFCO’s updated examination of special district governance and the role of LAFCOs in reviewing changes to local services and governmental organization.
View the revised 2021 white paper (PDF) ↗
Prior editions
Climate-Smart Growth · 2018
Creating Sustainable Communities and Landscapes
Produced in partnership with the California Strategic Growth Council and Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, this paper presents practices and tools to support successful local-agency collaboration on climate-smart growth.
Agricultural Preservation · 2018
State of the Art on Agricultural Preservation
Developed by CALAFCO and American Farmland Trust to help LAFCOs establish or strengthen policies that preserve agricultural land while supporting orderly growth and development.
Groundwater Management · 2016
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and Local Agency Formation Commissions
Summarizes the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and considers how it may affect LAFCO responsibilities and activities. Although LAFCOs do not have a formal implementation role under SGMA, the paper identifies areas where their work may intersect with groundwater governance.
Research Notice
Last reviewed September 2026. These publications are provided as research and historical resources. Laws, regulations, and practices may have changed since publication. Confirm current requirements and consult agency counsel when appropriate.
