CSDA LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY/GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
YOUR VOICE IN THE STATE CAPITOL.
CSDA is the only voice in Sacramento that represents and provides legislative services for ALL independent special districts. CSDA delivers daily representation in the State Capitol and more.

Legislative Advocacy
CSDA is the only voice in the Capitol that represents and fights for all California special districts, regardless of services provided or affiliation with other organizations. CSDA has partnered with a well respected legislative and lobbying firm that reviews and monitors every bill introduced into legislation for its potential impact on California’s special districts. Any bills requiring action are quickly brought to the attention of the CSDA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors in order to determine a position on each respective issue and then are lobbied accordingly.

Decisions are made everyday in Sacramento that vitally affect the ability to manage and operate special districts throughout California. CSDA's very well respected Legislative Advocate, Ralph Heim, is always ready to safeguard your interests before the Legislature. With his professional guidance CSDA can be assured of having its voice heard and responded to in the State Capitol.

Find out who your District Representative is!

Public Policy Development
California is struggling with what form of governance is now appropriate for such a diverse state. This is evident from state and local initiatives, legislative commission reports and independent studies. The underlying theme or assumption is: there are too many units of government, and that single, large governmental agencies, rather than limited purpose agencies are the more effective form of government. The structure of local government appears to be drifting toward bigger government with no evidence that this guarantees success. CSDA keeps its members up-to-date on local governance by researching issues, participating in legislative deliberations and speaking with a collective voice in the Capitol.

Pending Legislation
The California State Home Page contains a wealth of information including access to complete State Codes. You can also check on the status of any pending legislation and by subscribing to bills of particular interest you can receive automatic email notice whenever there is any activity. (There is no charge for this service). Each year CSDA adopts positions on many bills and actively lobbies some of them.

Intergovernmental Relations
Today's way of doing business requires ongoing cooperation between districts, local government, regional agencies, and state government. CSDA provides the statewide focus to help members save time and money in their dealings with organizations and agencies impacting local government. In addition, CSDA represents districts when LAFCO or similar legislation is before the Legislature and counsels special districts concerning their involvement. CSDA staff and board members are always available to assist members with questions and concerns.