Last month I had the privilege of being elected to the position of Chairman of the Cities and County Associations of Governments (CCAG). Most people have never heard of CCAG, but it is an important alliance which Foster City belongs to which helps our City save money and address Federal and State mandates in an economical fashion. CCAG is responsible for much of the transportation grant funding distributed in the county. Whether it is the widening of freeway or the grade separation under the Caltrains track or other street and road project most of that funding comes through CCAG. CCAG also acts as part of the process is collecting and allocating Measure A money (1/2 cent sales tax for transportation projects) in San Mateo County. CCAG also funds 50% of the Foster City Shuttle program and the shuttle programs in four other cities as well. CMAQ ( a subcommittee of CCAG) which studies transportation proposals and projects from various local jurisdictions is chaired by Foster City's own Marland Townsend.
Additionally, CCAG also works together to administer the permit and requirements of storm drain discharge on a regional basis saving the City thousands of dollars each year. If each city in the county were responsible for obtaining their own permit and managing the storm drain regulatory requirements, we would have 21 different jurisdictions each doing the same thing. Through the umbrella of CCAG, we obtain one permit to cover all cities and the county and obtain economies of scale, which saves each of us money.
CCAG also administers the abandoned vehicle program and oversees the solid waste disposal through the Recycle works programs. Given the current budget crisis, there will be many challenges facing CCAG in the coming year. With Sacramento wanting more funds from local governments to balance the budget, and the State and Federal Government distributing less funds for transportation and other programs, the challenges to this county and CCAG will increase. However, the CCAG organization is unique in California, with few counties having such a cooperative effort between their cities. It is a great organization which allows each city its own autonomy, but with ability to work in concert when circumstances arise to save critical dollars for each city.
Deborah can be reached via her email at dwilder@fostercity.org.
Deborah E.G. Wilder
650-551-5580
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