To: Board of Supervisors
From: Clerk of the Board
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Discuss the County Membership in the Rural County Representatives of California Board of Directors (RCRC), Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Discuss the County membership in the County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board of Directors, Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) and Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) for the 2027 calendar year.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
On Nov. 10, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board appointed Supervisor Bohn as the Humboldt County’s delegate on the RCRC, GSFA and the GSCA Board of Directors and Supervisor Wilson as the alternate on the RCRC, GSFA and GSCA board. The Board requested an additional agenda item be brough to discuss the membership of RCRC.
RCRC’s primary responsibilities include legislative advocacy by monitoring state and federal legislation affecting rural counties. It also works with legislators to develop legislation and policies that recognize rural challenges, which are often unlike those of the populated California counties. It provides input on proposed state and federal matters while seeking to reduce unfunded mandates and regulatory burdens on counties.
RCRC is not a state regulatory agency, nor does it have authority over Humboldt County. It is a member-driven county service and advocacy organization that represents the collective interests of its member counties, as determined by those members. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors appoints one of its members to serve on the RCRC Board of Directors. That representative serves as Humboldt County's voice in the organization by participating in RCRC Board meetings, providing input on legislative priorities, bringing Humboldt County concerns and policy positions to the organization, participating in discussions and decisions regarding statewide advocacy and communicating relevant legislative developments and opportunities back to the County. Membership also includes any department in the agency who can directly contact RCRC staff with questions and concerns. It does not limit communication to just the county-appointed representative.
Rural counties have reported benefits from having a collective organization advocating issues that are particularly important to rural and geographically large counties. For example, RCRC has advocated wildfire prevention and forest management, rural transportation funding, healthcare access in remote communities, broadband and communication infrastructure, and the financial impacts of state-mandated programs and regulations.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is a membership fee of $12,000. Expenses for this membership are recorded in the Board of Supervisors professional services budget code each year. Funding to pay for the membership is provided by the General Fund allocation to the Board of Supervisors budget.
The county representative gets their travel expenses reimbursed for their travel to quarterly meetings and annual conferences. The average reimbursement for the past three years is approximately $10,200.
STAFFING IMPACT:
As part of the RCRC membership all county departments have access to RCRC staff consultation and advocacy. Staff routinely engage with RCRC staff regarding pending or potential legislation for their expertise and to strengthen local advocacy efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Rural County Representative of California, Golden State Finance Authority, and Golden State Connect Authority
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: Nov. 10, 2026
File No: 26-952