Unfunded pension and healthcare liabilities threaten the financial stability of San Francisco and many cities. By utilizing joint powers agreements, cities could share costs for services and alleviate budget shortfalls.
California’s cities face a perfect storm: soaring unfunded pension liabilities, aging infrastructure and pressure to preserve essential public services, especially police and fire protection.
Forced to balance their budgets, cities debate whether to raise taxes, cut services or both. Fortunately, California law offers a third alternative. A practical and proven tool to address the mounting fiscal crisis that afflicts cities across the state: the joint powers agreement, which…