The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is a regulatory state-mandated legislative agency. LAFCOs are established by State Law in 1963 pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Government Code §§ 56000 et seq). to assist the Legislature in promoting orderly development and in balancing development with competing state interests of discouraging urban sprawl, preserving agricultural, open space land and extending government services efficiently. An annotated guide to CKH is available on the Assembly Local Government Committee website  With so many governments, many people wonder whether anyone actually oversees the number, powers, and jurisdictions of these governments. Rest assured, local agencies can’t change their boundaries on a whim because they need permission from LAFCOs. The Legislature also recognizes that an important factor in promoting orderly development is providing housing for residents of all incomes.

LAFCO carries out legislative duties through the consideration, approval or denial of boundary changes proposed by individuals or the local agencies themselves. LAFCOs decisions strive to balance the competing needs in California for affordable housing, economic opportunity and conservation of natural resources. Riverside LAFCO has jurisdiction over changes in local government organization occurring within Riverside County.

The Commission promotes the wise use of land resources while providing an orderly growth pattern for the existing and future needs of a community within Riverside County. Keep in mind that LAFCO is not a county agency. It is an independent regulatory commission operating at the county-level that receives it powers directly from the Legislature. LAFCO ensures the establishment of an appropriate and logical municipal government structure for the distribution of efficient and appropriate public services.

This web site will provide you with an understanding about the unique and influential governmental entities known as LAFCOs.