Some of them should probably be merged to more efficiently provide services. And some of them should probably go away. Most special districts were formed when California looked different than it does today. These districts, however, often do not evolve to reflect the changes that have occurred in California. Many survive as separate government agencies even after urbanization has paved over the economic or geographic reasons for their independence.
Special districts are very diverse - in their size, their function, and their performance.
The fundamental problem, however, is that public and community leaders have trouble judging that performance and knowing when changes should be made. The commission identified many steps that districts could take to involve the public and community leaders. Budget summaries could be produced in understandable terms, included in billing statements and publicly presented to county supervisors and city councils. The Internet makes information easily available to the public. While special districts were tailor-made to the needs of their communities when they were formed, many are reluctant to change as the needs of their customers change.