Valley Council Gaining Members

Better representation for the San Fernando Valley region would be a key part of a new coalition of municipal governments now being formed. Burbank, Glendale and Santa Clarita have so far approved joining the San Fernando Council of Governments, with others expected to follow. The Los Angeles City Council will hear a presentation on the group next month. The City of San Fernando is currently reviewing the joint powers agreement and the city council will take its vote on Jan. 18. Formation of such a group has been long in the making and supporters envision the council will have the same success as other government councils such as in the San Gabriel Valley and Riverside. In discussions about widespread planning issues the focus tends toward downtown Los Angeles and the new council is meant to broaden that focus. “This gives an opportunity in the discussion to look at things from a different perspective,” said Robert Scott, director of the Mulholland Institute and the acting director of the council. The council becomes official once the city and county of Los Angeles sign on. The board will be made up of representatives from all the government bodies. City managers and staff members will make up a technical advisory committee. Although eligible to join and supportive of the group, the City of Calabasas will not participate at this time, Scott said. City of San Fernando Community Development Director Paul Diebel said that while the council is a positive thing it will be up to the city council to make the decision to join. Having such a group in place will improve coordination when it comes to meeting state mandates, such as on greenhouse gas emissions and housing, Diebel said. “It puts us in a better position to represent the interests of the Valley in regional planning decisions,” he added. The council will also coordinate efforts for obtaining state, federal and regional grants in support of planning projects; contract for the services of public/private organizations, managers, researchers, planners, engineers, attorneys and other consultants; and build a consensus among the members to address regional and subregional issues, strategies, policies and programs.