Nevada Irrigation District (NID) Board President Ricki Heck has been chosen to represent Northern California on a key statewide association of regional planning agencies.

On October 23, 2025, Heck was elected to a two-year term as the special district representative for the Northern Region of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO). The Northern Region encompasses California’s 18 northernmost counties, stretching from Nevada County to the Oregon border.

Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) play a vital role in shaping how California’s communities grow and how public services are delivered. Each county has its own LAFCO comprised of county supervisors, city council members, special district board representatives, and members of the public. Together, they guide local development and ensure that cities and districts evolve in a logical and efficient way.

Among their responsibilities, LAFCOs:

  • Review proposals when cities and districts want to expand their boundaries
  • Decide if special districts (like water, fire, or park districts) should merge or change
  • Ensure communities have logical, efficient boundaries for public services
  • Conduct regular reviews of how well local services are working

Heck has served on Nevada County’s LAFCO since May 2021. The local commission includes eleven people, including three special district representatives, three city council members, three county supervisors, and two members of the public.

In her new statewide role, Heck will work closely with agency staff and other members of the CALAFCO Board to review and provide input on proposed state legislation that affects local planning. CALAFCO’s mission is to promote efficient and sustainable government services based on local community values through legislative advocacy and education.

“I am honored to continue my service to NID and our local community through LAFCO’s statewide organization. The support of our local Commission and the Northern Region is significant for the resources of Nevada County,” Heck said.

She will be representing counties, including Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, Lake, Mendocino, Plumas, Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Tehama, Shasta, Trinity, Humboldt, Modoc, Siskiyou, and Del Norte. She joins Nevada LAFCO Chair and Public Member, Josh Susman on the CALAFCO Board.