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An innovative city attorney and with the cooperation of the Los Angeles Country Board of Supervisors created the "Lakewood Plan" for cost-effective contracting for local city services.
The new Lakewood City Council created a unique plan widely copied since the city's incorporation in 1954.
The Lakewood Plan The system involved contracting with county agencies and private firms for needed public services. The contract system eliminated duplications and overlapping and promised to maintain a high level of community services at a significantly reduced cost.
Under the “Lakewood Plan,” the Lakewood City Council sets local policy, enacts legislation, creates the annual budget, and performs community planning tasks. In cooperation with the contract agencies, the city council also mandates their level of service and monitors the effectiveness of each contract.
When the city incorporated, all its municipal services were maintained by contract with the county or through special districts. Lakewood was called “The City without a Payroll” because so few employees worked directly for the city.
As the needs of its residents have changed and other options for effective city government have emerged, Lakewood has modified its contract system. At present, the city contracts for a broad range of services from the county’s Consolidated Fire Protection District and the County Library system.
In all, about 43% of the city’s annual budget goes for contract services, either from the county or other agencies or private firms. Lakewood’s largest contracts are with the County of Los Angeles:
Law Enforcement--The city’s most extensive contract service includes specialized crime suppression and prevention programs.
Street Repair--The county’s Department of Public Works performs Lakewood’s road and sidewalk repairs.
Building Inspection--County contract employees do the city’s plan checking and safety and construction code inspections.
General Services Agreement--Lakewood’s master agreement with the county covers engineering and design services, criminal prosecution, and school fire safety education.
Some services are provided through countywide special districts. These are not contract services:
Fire Protection and Paramedics--Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Libraries--Los Angeles County Library System.
Special Districts--Other special districts include the Flood Control District, the Sanitation Districts, and the Southeast Mosquito Abatement District.
Many services are provided by private contractors, including trash collection, street sweeping, The Centre at Sycamore Plaza concession, computer system management, traffic signal maintenance, helicopter maintenance, janitorial services, parkway and median mowing, and street tree maintenance.
Lakewood’s newest contract service is with City Light and Power to operate and maintain the city-owned portion of the street lighting system.
Some city services are provided through non-profit agencies based in Lakewood or through contracts with other agencies that include Lakewood in their service area.
Animal Control--Southeast Area Animal Control Authority.
Senior Nutrition--The Volunteers of America.
Human Services and Health Programs--Provided by non-profit agencies and county departments.
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