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What is a Joint Powers Agency and Other Authories?
Public agencies may enter into agreements to jointly exercise common powers. A joint powers agreement may establish a joint powers agency or take the form of an operating agreement. A public agency may not acquire new functions or powers through a joint powers agreement. The common power to be exercised may be exercised within the entire territorial jurisdiction of any one or more of the participating agencies. A public agency may enter into a joint powers agreement to exercise implied as well as express powers, but the implied powers must be necessary to carry out the powers expressly granted. The agency may be one or more of the parties to the agreement of a commission or board constituted pursuant to the agreement or a person, firm or corporation, including a non-profit corporation, designated in the agreement.
Information on Sacramento County JPAs and Other Authorities
Cable TV Commission:
The Commission exists to administer cable television franchise and licenses in
Sacramento County; assist consumers in resolving their cable and non-cable video
problems; monitor Community Programming Grantees; and operate the local government
cable channel (METRO CABLE 14).
Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA): SAFCA levies assessments, reassessments or
special taxes and issue bonds to finance projects in accordance with a variety of
California public improvement acts. The agency’s long-term goal is to provide the
Sacramento region with as much flood protection as is appropriate for a heavily
populated urban area, much of which is subject to significant inundation in the event of a
flood.
Sacramento County Waste Management and Recycling:
The Waste Management and Recycling Division provides waste management and
recycling services for residents and businesses in Sacramento County. The Sacramento
Regional Solid Waste Authority (SWA) is a joint powers authority of Sacramento County
and the Cities of Sacramento and Citrus Heights. The SWA Board of Directors consists
of elected officials from the County and the member cities. The SWA regulates
commercial solid waste collection by franchised haulers through SWA ordinances.
Among other things, SWA ordinances require franchised haulers to achieve 30%
recycling and to offer recycling programs to multi-family complexes.
The Sacramento Cities/County Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is an advisory
panel consisting of appointed representatives from each jurisdiction in Sacramento
County. The SWAC is the State-mandated Local Task Force, which meets ten times
yearly to assist in coordinating waste management and recycling efforts throughout the
County.
Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA):
SETA provides assistance to both new
and established businesses, including information about Sacramento’s labor force, job tax
credits and wage subsidies. Additionally, customized human-resource services are
provided to employers, including identification, interviewing, and training of qualified
individuals. SETA administers the Workforce Invest Act program, which provides
nearly ten million dollars for jobs skills training and incentives to businesses and job
seekers. SETA’s Head Start Program provides parental education in the areas of
nutrition, budget management, child development and rearing, hygiene, and good health,
as well as providing instruction, nutritious meals and healthcare for over 6,200 children
daily.
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency: SHRA is the public developer for the
City and the County, and the lead agency regarding affordable housing, public housing,
and redevelopment projects and issues. SHRA provides and maintains Agency-owned
housing and tenant-based rental assistance programs, develops and finances affordable
housing opportunities, revitalizes lower income neighborhoods, and promotes economic
development opportunities on commercial corridors and converted military bases.
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District: SMAQMD is the
governmental agency that regulates sources of air pollution within Sacramento County.
The Air District’s jurisdiction covers the entire county, including the cities of Elk Grove,
Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Galt, and Isleton. The District
takes a progressive approach to regulating air pollution. Through its regulatory authority,
permitting procedures, compliance assistance, enforcement, and public outreach
programs, the Air District has one of the most proactive air quality programs in the State.
Sacramento Public Library Authority: The Sacramento Public Library Authority’s service area covers almost 900 square miles,
including California’s capital city, the unincorporated area of Sacramento County, and
the cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Galt, Isleton, and Rancho Cordova.
Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA):
STA distributes tax monies allocated for
construction of highways, streets, and roads; increased bus and light rail service;
increased transportation services for the elderly and handicapped; and transportationrelated air quality programs. STA, in conjunction with other providers, administers the
Freeway Service Patrol, providing tow trucks to patrol highway areas during weekday
commute periods, and the Abandoned Vehicle Service Authority, which enforces local
ordinances to remove abandoned vehicles from private and public property.
