Policy Consulting Associates, LLC

10/22/2024

After making its way through the legislative process, Governor Newsom signed California's SB 1209 earlier this month giving LAFCOs the power to require indemnification. Linked below is a statement from Senator Dave Cortese, who sponsored the bill.

"Ultimately, SB 1209 is about good governance which aims to protect taxpayers and ratepayers from being saddled with additional, unexpected, and unnecessary fees. It does so by extending the same indemnification provisions afforded to city, county, and special district jurisdictions to Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO’s),” said Senator Cortese. “By indemnifying LAFCO’s, we prevent the buck from being passed down onto consumers.”

Official website of Senator Dave Cortese, representing California Senate District 15.

05/31/2024

Anyone up for some light reading this weekend? This article https://www.abc27.com/business/press-releases/cision/20240528SF23457/new-book-how-california-works-unlocks-mysteries-of-government-empowers-readers-to-create-change/ discusses a new book release and the topic is definitely relatable.

As a public policy consulting firm that works with municipalities across California, we know firsthand there is a lot that happens behind the scenes in government and that many people don't know the extent of how things operate or the complexities involved. Like this article states, "Wishing that things worked one way or another is not the same as knowing how things work," added Fred Keeley, Mayor of Santa Cruz and former Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. "It is when we all know how things work that we can impact things, from democracy itself to a local development project in your neighborhood."

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the most, how well do you think you know how your government agencies are run? What is one step you'd be willing to take to become more informed for the sake of your community? Let us know in the comments.

Author Jonathan Vankin Puts Power of Knowledge in Reader's Hands SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- California Local, a digital outlet for trusted local news and community resources, today announced the availability of its first published book, How California Works: Building Democracy....

05/28/2024

PCA is happy to take a moment to celebrate our colleague, Melat Assefa, on her recent one year anniversary with our firm. Melat has quickly become an integral part of our team, contributing to many of our ongoing projects, including notable work on reports for San Benito County LAFCO, and the City of Gridley. Congrats, Melat! 🎉 We’re glad to have you with us. Can’t wait to see what year 2 has in store for you. Let’s go!

05/24/2024

PCA would like to extend our gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and to their loved ones who hold a special place in our hearts. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.