Title
Consider the appointment of delegates and alternates to the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), and Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) Board of Directors.
Report
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Appoint one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as delegate and one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as alternate on the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board of Directors;
b. Appoint one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as delegate and one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as alternate on the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Board of Directors;
c. Appoint one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as delegate and one (1) member of the Board of Supervisors to serve as alternate on the Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) Board of Directors; and,
d. Direct staff to update the Boards, Committees, and Commissions appointments list accordingly.
SUMMARY
Monterey County currently maintains active membership in the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Golden State Financing Authority (GSFA), and Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA). The aforementioned bodies require annual confirmation of each County’s delegate and alternate to serve on their respective Board of Directors. The Board of Supervisors must appoint supervisors to serve as delegates and alternates to the RCRC, GSFA, GSCA Boards prior to their first meetings on January 18, 2023.
DISCUSSION
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a 37-member county service organization that advocates at the state and federal levels on behalf of California’s rural counties. Membership in RCRC strengthens Monterey County’s ability to advocate on rural area issues that are aligned with the County’s Legislative Program.
Founded in 1972, RCRC works with its membership to advocate on behalf of rural issues at the state and federal levels. RCRC provides the rural county perspective on a myriad of issues during the legislative and regulatory process, including land use, water and natural resources, housing, transportation, wildfire protection policies, and health and human services. The core of RCRC’s mission is to improve the ability of small, rural California county government to provide services by reducing the burden of state and federal mandates and promoting a greater understanding among policymakers regarding the unique challenges that face California's small population counties.
The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) develops and administers programs that provide a source of financing for residential home purchases or refinances, commercial and residential energy efficiency improvement projects, multi‐family housing construction and rehabilitation projects, and city and/or county infrastructure improvements.
GSFA is a California Joint Powers Authority and a duly constituted public entity and agency, the mission of which is to provide affordable housing and contribute to the social and economic well-being of California residents. The Authority was organized in 1993 and exists under and by virtue of Articles 1-4 of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code of the State of California.
The Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) was formed in August 2021 following a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors of the RCRC. The GSCA, a joint powers authority, is designed to leverage collective efforts on behalf of rural counties in the provision of technical assistance and establishment of broadband infrastructure in under-connected areas. It is envisioned that the GSCA will assist rural counties in identifying pathways for development of broadband infrastructure within their communities, including the construction of municipal owned and/or operated broadband systems, among other options. Monterey County formally joined the GSCA in October 2021.
The aforementioned bodies require that each member county designate a delegate and alternate to serve on their respective Board of Directors, prior to their first meetings on January 18, 2023. Supervisors Chris Lopez and John Phillips currently serve on the RCRC, GSFA and GSCA Board of Directors (Lopez as delegate and Phillips as alternate). This report requests that the Board appoint a delegate and alternate to the RCRC, GSFA, and GSCA Board of Directors for the calendar year of 2023. Typically, the same member serves as delegate for all three bodies and the same for alternate.
The County Administrative Office will transmit the Board’s 2023 appointment of delegates and alternates to RCRC, GSFA, GSCA and update the Boards, Committees, and Commissions list accordingly.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
In order to ensure Brown Act compliance, County Counsel recommends that neither the member nor alternate appointed to the RCRC Board of Directors currently serve on the Board’s Legislative Committee - or - that both the member and alternate serve on the Legislative Committee. Counsel further cautions against members of the Board’s Legislative Committee and representatives to RCRC communicating on matters which come before the Legislative Committee.
FINANCING
The appointment of delegates and alternates to the RCRC, GSFA, GSCA Board of Directors will not result in additional General Fund contributions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
County membership in RCRC, GSFA, and GSCA enhances the County’s ability to execute its adopted Legislative Program, which includes all areas of the Board’s Strategic Initiatives.
X Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Karina Bokanovich, Management Analyst II
Approved by: Charles J. McKee, County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
Board Report
RCRC Memo and Form
GSFA Memo and Form
GSCA Memo and Form