In the 1970-1980s, public agencies were faced with rising insurance costs and little coverage. Private insurance companies were unwilling or very reluctant to provide insurance products to public agencies. In the mid-1970s, the California Legislature amended the Government Code to add the ability for two or more public agencies to join together, under a joint powers authority (JPA), to provide more effective or efficient government services or to solve a service delivery problem. With this came the ability to lower premiums to their members and reduce taxpayer dollars. The California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA) was formed in 1981. The pooling concept for insurance purposes was relatively new and fairly obscure. JPAs ventured alone in unchartered waters as they wrestled new and perplexing problems. CAJPA was formed to meet the need for communication and cooperation among the newly formed JPAs. Its founders structured an association that serves as an information and educational network; one that has grown to also promote unique insurance and risk management concepts and services for its members.