Background The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is a State-mandated, independent agency with countywide jurisdiction over changes in organization and boundaries of cities and special districts including annexations, detachments, incorporations and formations. LAFCos were created by the State legislature in 1963 in response to the accelerated population surge in the years following World War II, which resulted in rapid growth and sporadic formation of cities and special districts in California. Role of Commission LAFCo has responsibility in the following areas affecting local government in the county: To discourage urban sprawl and encourage the orderly growth and development of local government agencies To prevent premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands To review and approve or disapprove proposals for changes in the boundaries and organization of the 20 cities, 24 independent special districts and approximately 44 county-governed special districts plus incorporations of cities and formations of special districts To establish and periodically update spheres of influence--future boundary, organization and service plans--for the county's cities and special districts To perform and assist in studies of local government agencies with the goal of improving efficiency and reducing costs of providing urban services Guide to Cortese Knox Hertzberg Act of 2000 ______________________________________________________________ Commissioners and Staff ______________________________________________________________ Contact Us ______________________________________________________________