The Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) is an independent agency responsible for implementing the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000. The Commission consists of two county board of supervisor members appointed by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, two city council members appointed by the City Select Committee, and one public member appointed by LAFCO. LAFCO can also include two special district representatives, but at this time, the Imperial LAFCO does not have special district representation.
LAFCO has the authority to review, approve, or deny boundary changes, city annexations, consolidations, dissolutions, special district formations, and incorporations for cities and special districts, and to establish local "spheres of influence." The sphere of influence for each governmental agency is a plan for its future boundary and service area. LAFCO's function is outlined in Government Code Section 56000 et. seq. known as the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000.