January 14, 2025

Sockton, CA – The San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission has chosen Commissioner Minnie Diallo as Chair at the January 9, 2025, commission meeting. Commissioner Diallo is a City Member representing the City of Lathrop and is beginning her fifth year on LAFCO. Commissioner Ding, a Board of Supervisors Member, representing the fourth district, was chosen as Vice-Chair at the meeting. Commissioner Ding is entering his third year with LAFCO.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust my esteemed colleagues have placed in me to serve as Chair of the San Joaquin County LAFCO,” commented Chair Diallo. “It is a privilege to lead a commission that plays such a vital role in shaping the growth and sustainability of our region and county. As the first African-American woman and only the fourth woman to hold this position in LAFCO’s 62-year history, I am proud to continue breaking barriers and advancing inclusive leadership. Together, we will uphold the commission’s mission and ensure thoughtful stewardship of our communities.”

The Chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) presides over public hearings and may invite discussion from the commission. The chair may also appoint a third commissioner to serve on the Executive Committee, which is responsible for administrative oversight, personnel matters, and budget preparation and review. The Vice-Chair is chosen to serve in the absence of the Chair.

“I am proud to serve on LAFCo which works to strengthen collaboration between agencies, and my focus as Vice-Chair will be to merge our rural fire districts to improve response times, coverage and service,” stated Vice-Chair Ding.

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LAFCOs are quasi-judicial commissions created by the California Legislature in 1963 to regulate local government boundaries. California laws require LAFCOs to plan for sustainable services while preventing urban sprawl, which also protects against premature conversion of California’s valuable agricultural and open space lands.