A Step Toward Rational Growth

This Los Angeles Times editorial endorses Assembly Bill 2838 by Speaker Bob Hertzberg, D-Sherman Oaks, which would reform the process by which local governments alter boundaries and authorize municipal services. The vehicle for reform is through the Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO, which approves the creation of new cities, annexations and related services. Hertzberg's bill would require LAFCOs to consider regional growth policies, limit sprawl, encourage the preservation of open space and agricultural land, and ensure that there is adequate water for new growth areas while performing their duties. While Gov. Gray Davis has not taken a position on the bill, he should sign the legislation to support more effective regional and statewide planning, the editorial asserts.

Thanks to California 2000 Project