A. Governance

Collaborative Governance between cities, counties and schools included formal mechanisms for electeds, and informal practices between executive staff.

1. Formal mechanisms include:
1. Meetings
   • Joint Sessions – Noticed meetings with shared agenda which may include development of shared values and goals, commitment to joint projects, staff reporting on progress. The City of Claremont and Claremont Unified School District offer this sample staff report.
   • Two-Bys. A common practice in California is for each governing body to select liaisons form its members to meet monthly with their counterparts. This is most effective when it is coupled with stated policies in support of collaboration.
2. Policy statements- In order to assure continuity of collaborative intent, policies must be established.
3. Informal practices – Executive Staff
   The most consistent factor in collaborative success is a friendly rapport and ready access across the executive staff. City managers, school superintendents and county administrative officers who interact regularly develop trust and explore issues of shared interest. This averts conflicts and promotes innovation.
4. Resources
   • The Institute for Local Government, the nonprofit research affiliate of the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties has launched Collaborative Governance Initiative with resources and case studies.
   • The National Policy Consensus Center offers principles for state level collaboration which also apply to the local level.