California has a complex system of providing services through local governments. This course provides an overview of local government structure and responsibilities in California. You’ll learn the basics of all the local agencies and how they interrelate with county responsibilities. A brief history of California governance is followed by a review of the roles and responsibilities of the state, cities, counties, special districts and an alphabet soup of other local agencies. Discussion highlights the authority and responsibilities of the county as it relates to other agencies through a county case study on the interrelationships of all these local agencies.

Instructor: Bill Chiat, CSAC Institute Dean and former executive director of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions.