Ch. 8

The San Mateo County Department of Parks is funded by the County of San Mateo County. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is the body responsible for providing funds to the Department of Parks. The board creates and reviews the budget for all county programs. The Department of Parks is working with various city governments to help create and maintain parks throughout the county. These organizations do not depend on the county for their funding, but the partnership helps ease the cost and responsibility for both parties. Some organizations exists to help fund the Department of Parks, such as the San Mateo County Parks Foundation and Friends of Edgewood Park.

#9

The San Mateo County Department of Parks does not have much involvement in resolving problems via the judicial process. Most of the departments work is done in unison with local stakeholders, which diminishes chances for conflict. The Department of Parks can theoretically be involved in the civil, criminal, and administrative cases. The most common reasons for a park department to be involved in the judicial processes would be over land use and pollution. Since park departments operate at the local level it is unlikely that they will be involved in cases in major trial court or the supreme court. The Department of Parks could be sued in court, for issues revolving equal access for people with disabilities or concern for the condition of the environment.  

#8

The San Mateo County Department of Parks works with various state, local, and federal agencies and organizations. Primarily they work with city and county government bodies. The park department's funding is allocated by the county supervisors. In addition, the county supervisors may pass county ordinances that the park department must comply with. An ordinance might be passed because of citizen concern or the lobbying efforts of some government or private organization. Since the department must cover real estate and property in several cities and unincorporated county areas it must work with the government of the surrounding municipalities to ensure the parks are maintained, safe, and accessible. This would include the county sheriffs and public works and local park, law enforcement, and public works departments. The county department of parks is located on the same property as many other county agencies, which helps promote cooperation.