Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) are state-mandated regulatory agencies established by the Legislature in 1963. LAFCOs were created to help implement State policy of encouraging orderly growth and development through the regulation of local public agency boundaries. This daunting task requires each Commission to balance the development required for a growing population with the competing State interests of discouraging urban sprawl, preserving agricultural resources and open space and extending government services efficiently. Each of California’s 58 counties has a LAFCO, however, they are independent of county government. Riverside LAFCO generally has jurisdiction over changes in boundaries of local agencies (cities and special districts) within Riverside County. 

Information on Municipal Service Reviews & Other Studies

Municipal Service reviews were added to LAFCOs mandate with the passage of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg (CKH) Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 A service review is a comprehensive study designed to better inform LAFCO, local agencies, and the community about the provision of municipal services. Service reviews attempt to capture and analyze information about the governance structures and efficiencies of service providers and to identify opportunities for greater coordination and cooperation between providers. The service review is a prerequisite to a Sphere of Influence update and may also lead a LAFCO to take other actions under its authority.

Upon completing the service reviews, the Commission must make determinations on each of the following issues:

• Growth and population projections for the affected area.

• The location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.

• Present and planned capacity of public facilities, adequacy of public services, and infrastructure needs or deficiencies including needs or deficiencies related to sewers, municipal and industrial water, and structural fire protection in any disadvantaged, unincorporated communities within or contiguous to the sphere of influence.

• Financial ablility of agencies to provide services.

• Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities.

• Accountability for community service needs, including governmental structure and operational efficiencies.

• Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by commission policy.

 

Please review the most recent MSR below.  Desert Recreation District begins on page 33.

2023 Recreation & Park Districts MSR-SOI Report

For more information,  please visit the Riversiade LAFCO website HERE.