The Contra Costa Special Districts Association (CCSDA) was established in 1989, initiated by Chuck Beesley, the former General Manager of the Contra Costa Mosquito Abatement District, and Bob Berggren, the General Manager of the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. They recognized the need for a local association representing special districts for several key reasons.

Firstly, independent special districts throughout California were struggling against the widespread perception that local government consisted only of cities and counties. Secondly, newly formed redevelopment agencies often diverted property tax growth revenues away from special districts located within their boundaries. Thirdly, many citizens were unaware that special districts provided essential public services. Lastly, in Contra Costa County, the Board of Supervisors was reluctant to collaborate with local special districts concerning the Special Districts Augmentation Fund (SDAF). Unlike most other counties, local supervisors were unwilling to return funds to their originating sources.