In California, councils of governments are voluntary organizations of local governments within a specific region. They are organized as joint powers authorities and funded by dues from their member governments. [1] They play a number of official roles in state governmental processes such as developing regional housing need allocations (RHNAs).
The state has 24 councils of governments: [2]
California is home to over 400 cities. Every city elects a council who enacts policies regarding, “Land use and other matters, approves programs, appropriates funds and establishes local taxes. The city council also supervises the operations of the city government and the construction of public works.” [3] Cities are responsible for providing citizens with their own social services, utilities and public safety. While the county provides similar services to the county, cities provide these services to members within their city limits.
California is divided into 58 counties. These counties provide social services to residents within their county lines. Counties provide services such as courts, law enforcement, health care, elections, and the construction and maintenance of new infrastructure, among others. Counties are also responsible for providing services to areas outside city limits. These areas are often referred to as a county's unincorporated areas. Counties provide services such as, fire protection, animal control, land use, water use, and library-services that are similar to those cities provide within their boundaries known as incorporated areas. See Local government in California for more information on the types and role of local government in California.
California has two types of cities and counties, the first being General-law municipality. A General-law government is one that “follows state law with regard to the number and duties of elected officials.” [4] General law holds that states are specifically given the powers expressed by the state code and hold no power outside of these powers. These counties have a strict relationship between themselves and the state. The vast majority of counties used general-law including but not limited to San Luis Obispo County, California, Tulare County, California and Merced County, California.
The second type of government practiced by cities and counties is a charter. Charter governments enjoy greater freedoms than general law counties. Some of these broader liberties include “Power to provide for the election, compensation, terms, and salary for the governing board.” [5] However, for a general-law county to transition to a charter-based system, the county must amend the proposal and obtain a majority vote in favor of becoming a charter county. Famous charter counties include San Diego County, San Diego County, California, Fresno County, California and Sacramento County, California. As of today there are currently 14 charter counties including the consolidate-city-county government of San Francisco