Agency Missing The Train On Sprawl?

The Sacramento LAFCO is finding it difficult to control sprawl in the outer county.

1 minute read

December 9, 2000, 9:00 AM PST

By California 2000


"Local Agency Formation Commissions, or LAFCOs, were created in 1963 by the state legislature to help control sprawl, solve disputes between local districts, and to aid in the formation of larger, more efficient governmental districts and agencies. Unfortunately, LAFCOs have been largely ineffective in their charge to check sprawl. The Sacramento County LAFCO has been particularly ineffective at controlling sprawl, as much of the area's growth has occurred in the unincorporated county, which is out of the LAFCO's jurisdiction. Also, as representatives of the county, cities in the area, and special districts, the Sacramento County LAFCO members operate with local interests in mind, and they often fail make decisions with a regional perspective. Governor Gray Davis recently signed a reform bill requiring all agencies represented in a LAFCO to help with funding in order to remove any potential special interest. In addition, the bill encourages the LAFCOs to become more conscious of open space protection and growth management policies. State lawmakers are hopeful that the new bill might make LAFCOs more effective."

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Sunday, December 3, 2000 in The Sacramento Bee

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.