The County of San Luis Obispo government (The County) was established in 1850 as one of the original 27 counties in California. The region’s approximate 3,300 square miles and 100 miles of coastline are divided into five supervisory districts that are each represented by an elected official who serves on the Board of Supervisors. The Board sets governing policies for and serves as the legislative arm for the unincorporated areas of the County

The County government provides more than 700 public services, including law enforcement, animal control, flu shots, transportation planning, foster care, and more. While some County services – such as law enforcement, road maintenance and repair, and land-use planning – are only provided to the unincorporated areas, many are an extension of the State and are also provided to people in the incorporated cities.