The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
is an independent commission created by the State to promote the wise use of land
resources while providing for the present and future needs of a community. LAFCo
Commissioners have a responsibility to exercise their independent judgement while
making decisions concerning appropriate local governmental boundaries and service
providers. To guide their decisions, the Merced LAFCo Commission has adopted the
following four goals:
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1.
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Planned, well-ordered, and efficient development
patterns.
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2.
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Governmental services are delivered efficiently
and effectively.
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3.
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The need to provide for urban development
is balanced with the conservation of open space and prime agricultural lands.
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4.
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Urban land use patterns maximize the opportunity
for local jurisdictions to provide their fair share of regional housing needs for
all income levels.
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These goals were created to carry out the
State's legislative intent codified within the Cortese/Knox/Hertzberg Act: "The
Legislature recognizes that the logical formation and determination of local agency
boundaries is an important factor in promoting orderly development and in balancing
such development with sometimes competing state interests of discouraging urban
sprawl, preserving open space and prime agricultural lands, and efficiently extending
government services. The Legislature also recognizes that providing housing for
persons and families of all incomes is an important factor in promoting orderly
development."
