Held via webinar Thursday, November 19, 2020
Webinar is available for on-demand viewing for CALAFCO Members only.
This session offers several unique perspectives on the current and projected economic conditions of local governments, impacts to LAFCo operations and capacities, and how LAFCos can begin to think about positive strategies to support local service providers helped lessen economic impacts or maintain service levels in spite of the myriad of economic crises we face. Specifically, we hear from Jim Simon of RSG, Inc. on the current and projected economic conditions facing local governments, including a recession outlook focus on implications for Counties, Cities and Special Districts, and a look at what governance shifts are we seeing or can expect to see given the host of economic disasters in 2020 (pandemic, historic wildfires, civil unrest). Through the lens of LAFCo Commissioner/County Supervisor Jane Parker, we explore the COVID-19 economic impact on tourism and agricultural sectors and added economic impacts from wildfires to Monterey, along with impacts on disadvantaged communities. We learn how that has impacted LAFCo operations and capacities and discuss how LAFCos can adapt to the financial crisis to survive. Rounding out the panel, we hear from Executive Officer Carolyn Emery about the fiscal model Orange LAFCo is starting to use to help them better understand challenges facing cities and special districts. We explore other cooperative efforts that mutually benefit citizens/customers through cooperation among agencies as well as more traditional LAFCo approaches. This is followed by a robust Q&A session.
