Many Cities Join Local Government Council

More than 20 cities have joined a group designed to give Orange County a unified voice in Southern California issues such as air quality, housing and state demographic mandates.

The Council of Governments, sponsored by the League of California Cities, also will be a forum for elected officials to discuss ideas for making government more efficient.

The council is being formed as officials across the county consider restructuring local government by consolidating special districts, sharing responsibility for some services and contracting out more services to the private sector.

“This provides a forum for agencies to come together and openly and objectively share information and opinions,” said Janet Huston, executive director of the league’s Orange County division.

The council will consist of 21 voting members. Most members will come from cities, but the county and local transportation and special districts will also have seats if they decide to join.

Anaheim, the Transportation Corridors Agency and the Orange County Transportation Authority are expected to consider joining the council over the next few weeks.

While most cities support establishment of the group, some county officials have expressed concerns that it will add another layer of government.

But backers insist that the council will not increase the size of government.