MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCILS (MAC)

What is a MAC?

An organization of elected/appointed citizens whose purpose it is to advise county government on activities and problems of the area represented

A means of communication:

• to the county – the views of the community

• to the community – information on county proposals

• a forum to air opinions on community problems

What type of activities/problems?

For example - public health, safety, welfare, public works, planning, zoning

How is this accomplished?

By regular MAC public meetings with noticed agendas

How are MACs authorized?

By a CA Legislative Statute in 1971

How are MACs created?

By a vote of the Board of Supervisors on a Resolution

The Resolution includes:

• Name of the MAC

• Qualifications, number and method of selection of its members, whether by election or appointment

• Its designated powers and duties

• Unincorporated area for which the MAC is established

• Whether the establishment of the council should be submitted to the voters

• Other rules, regulations and procedures for the establishment and operation of the MAC

How are they funded?

In CCC, each District Office is provided $3,000 annually per MAC for support of MAC operations

Some facts on CCC MACs

• There are currently 12 MACS, 3 in District 1

• In 2008, the Board of Supervisors adopted policies for improving consistency among CCC MACs, including operating rules, procedures, fiscal procedures and controls.

Policies address: 

• • Member appointments, size of MAC, meeting location, frequency of meetings, length of meetings

  • Training requirements

  • Funding

  • Operating procedures – creating agendas, posting agendas, record of actions

  • Annual reports, work plans

MAC Benefits

• A voice for the community

  • a formal structure through which the Board of Supervisors can receive and consider community views

  • a single recognized voice with a community consensus

• Encourages more community participation

  • inclusive rather than exclusive forum – less formal talking to a neighbor rather that an official

  • can be more open candid and informal

  • community members can be heard at a location close to home 

• Provides a venue for a Supervisor to keep in touch with constituents

  • Supervisor can test/promote new policies

  • Supervisor can solicit MAC's advice on policies before the Board

• Local needs can be studied in greater depth 

• Community residents become a more effective part of the system making decisions

• Community residents better understand what the county can do for them and what they can do for themselves

• Problems can be resolved at the MAC level

• Provides a structure that County staff can work with