An ever-expanding collection of resources on what it means to serve on a Special District Board.

 Brown Act

The current California Brown Act (Gov. Code § 54950 et seq.) is undergoing significant modernization, primarily through Senate Bill 707, effective 2026, making hybrid meetings the standard for large agencies, ensuring public remote access (phone/video) with mandated tech/disruption policies, and expanding permanent remote participation for members under "just cause" or emergencies, all while reinforcing transparency through updated agenda rules and social media guidelines. Key changes include permanent remote access for officials (with limits), mandatory hybrid meetings for larger bodies, new policies for tech failures, and requirements for multilingual access, all extending the original intent of open, transparent local government. 

State of California Department of Justice, Rob Bonta-Attorney General Webpage on Open Meetings

Brown Act Code (Effective January 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted.)

Other resources

2024 CSDA Special District Board Member Handbook.pdf2024 Board Member Resources.pdfOaths of Office FAQ.pdfBrown Act, Board meeting requirements 2024.pdfParliamentary procedure quick reference guide.pdfClosed Sessions - GOV_54956.9..pdfBoard Service, Building Better Boards for the Long Term.pdfBoard Service, Communication Between the Board and the CEO.pdfBoard service, Dos and Don'ts.pdfBoard service, Directing Don'ts.pdfBoard service, How the Board Directs Staff.pdfBoard service, Master Policy Don't Let It Master You.pdfBoard Service, What Makes a Good Board Member.pdfFinances.pdfFinancial Reports for SDs.pdfLAFCo and Special Districts.pdfLeadership Excellence.pdfLegislation, Take Action-Engaging, CSDA 2022.pdfUnderstanding Special District Board Member Compensation.pdfPublic Service.pdfStrategic Plan Implementation.pdf