L.3

How are special districts governed and funded?

governance

Special districts are governed by a Board of Directors that is typically elected by the residents it serves. In some districts they may be called Trustees or Commissioners, but all serve the same governance role. They are also subject to “Sunshine Laws” that ensure transparency and accountability.

Examples of the Sunshine Laws special districts follow:

Holding open and public meetings (known as the Ralph M. Brown Act in California)

Keeping public records accessible

Conducting regular third-party audits

Posting financial reports online

Undergoing regular Municipal Service Reviews

Completing ethics, fiscal, and financial training