You Can’t Lead California Without Understanding Counties

Counties are where state policy becomes public service. They deliver health care, food assistance, behavioral health services, elections, public safety and dozens of other programs that Californians rely on every day.

Yet the role of county government — and its relationship with the state — is often misunderstood.

California County Fundamentals is designed to close that gap. Created for current and aspiring state leaders, this newly released digital guide offers a practical introduction to California’s 58 counties and the 400,000-plus people who work for them. It offers a snapshot of the essential services counties provide to nearly 40 million residents, and a closer look at several of the pressing, complex topics dominating policy debates at the state Capitol.

The booklet begins with “County 101,” covering county structure, budgeting and the state-county fiscal relationship. It then explains the county role for hot topics within each of CSAC’s five major policy areas. A series of issue briefs break down counties’ roles in elections, artificial intelligence, wildfire liability, H.R. 1 implementation, homelessness, behavioral health, Proposition 36, public defense, groundwater management, and transportation funding.

California cannot succeed without strong counties — or without state leaders who understand how counties work. Explore the booklet and learn how state decisions translate into services in every community.

Don’t see your favorite policy issue in the booklet? CSAC also has a series of standalone issue briefs on our policy issues webpage, including state-imposed mandates, organic waste diversion, the Racial Justice Act, and more.

Questions about any of the content included in the booklet or our standalone issue briefs? Contact CSAC’s legislative affairs staff or email legcoordinator@counties.org.