The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) is putting the final touches on plans for its annual Special Districts Legislative Days (SDLD) held May 3-4, 2011 in Sacramento, CA.  

About 200 attendees are expected to attend from throughout the state, representing a wide variety of special districts. Participating districts range from fire, cemetery, harbor and community services districts to some of the largest water, wastewater and public utility districts in California.

This year’s SDLD features a theme of “Local Accountability: Transparency and Realignment” and will focus on significant reform measures under consideration by the Legislature that will impact special districts. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to engage on proposals from the Legislature and other policy organizations that include reallocating property taxes, consolidating special districts, requiring new transparency reporting and more. 

An impressive line-up of speakers who will address these issues has been assembled. California Forward Executive Director Jim Mayer will speak May 3 and California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer will address attendees May 4. In addition, a local government panel will be held, featuring Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) and Assembly Members Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita) and Luis Alejo (D-Salinas). California Newspaper Publishers Association General Counsel Tom Newton will also be presenting.

Following the May 3 program, attendees will hit the Capitol to discuss priority items with their respective legislators. That evening a reception will be held so attendees may network and engage with each other and the legislators and legislative staff in attendance.

This annual CSDA event is designed to bring staff and elected officials from varying types and sizes of special districts together to learn about and advocate on issues important to the effective delivery of services to nearly all Californians. More information may be found at csda.net/sdld.

The California Special Districts Association (CSDA) has over 1,000 member agencies and provides independent special districts with representation, advocacy, education and value-added services that can positively affect their operations and service to constituents.