I have heard of instances where a General Plan Update was funded at least in part by surcharges or other fees charged to development applications. However, in Sonoma County, these efforts have been supported by revenues from the County general fund. Stanislaus No private money is used. The private money is used for staff time, overhead, consultants, printing and distribution. The County spells out the use of private money in the description of the update program.
All financial information is subject to the Freedom of Information Act, and anyone can review files.
In Santa Barbara County, when an Area Plan is to be updated, a GPAC is formed. The members are appointed by the county supervisor in whose district the Area Plan is located. Some county residents have complained that the members of the GPAC are often biased in favor of development, at the expense of current residents. Sonoma County said that the criteria for selecting committee members is up to the Board of Supervisors. One committee may consist entirely of all agriculture interests, and another of a wide range of interests.