South San Francisco, CA March 16, 2018 Submitted by Steve McGrath, SMC Harbor District General Manager Press Release
El Granada, CA — The San Mateo County Harbor District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
“This award is a testament to San Mateo County Harbor District’s commitment to open government,” said Virginia Chang Kiraly, Board President. “The entire district team, both Commission and staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.” To receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.
SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.
Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as water, wastewater treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries and more. They can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending on the need.
About the San Mateo County Harbor District:
The San Mateo County Harbor District was first established in 1933 and now operates both Pillar Point Harbor and Oyster Point Marina/Park. Pillar Point Harbor, near Half Moon Bay, remains a major commercial and sport fishing harbor, with 369 berths and is host to many public events throughout the year. Oyster Point Marina/Park in the City of South San Francisco provides a 408-berth marina and boat launch ramp, a fishing pier, and open space and trails.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Harbor Commissioners, who are elected County-wide for staggered four-year terms.
About the Special District Leadership Foundation:
OPPORTUNITIES TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A LEADER IN SPECIAL DISTRICTS
In 1999, the Special District Leadership Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed to provide educational opportunities to special district officials and employees to enhance service to the public. It is dedicated to excellence in local government. To date, SDLF has designed and implemented the following programs: Special District Administrator Certification; Recognition in Special District Governance; District of Distinction; and District Transparency Certificate of Excellence.
The SDA Certification is for management staff of the district, the Recognition is for the governing board members or trustees, Districts of Distinction and the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence are for all special districts.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and recognize excellence in the governance and management of special districts.