Adopted 2024-25 Budget

County Contribution to Services Overview

This budget provides funding of the County’s share of costs for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). LAFCO is an autonomous regulatory body responsible for managing the boundaries of cities and special districts as an independent commission established in each county by State law set in 1963 and is governed by two county supervisorial members appointed by the Board of Supervisors, two city council members appointed by the city mayors (City Selection Committee) within Santa Cruz County, two special district members appointed by the Special District Selection Committee, and a public member appointed by the other six LAFCO Commissioners.

LAFCO aims to promote the creation of efficient service areas for services offered by cities, counties, and special districts, steer urban development away from prime agricultural lands and open space resources, foster orderly growth, and discourage urban sprawl. One of LAFCO's primary functions is to oversee boundary changes for the County's four cities and 75 special districts, which encompasses the incorporation of new cities and the establishment of new districts. By performing these essential tasks, LAFCO plays a vital role in safeguarding the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of the region it serves.