Features Archive

Heeding the Call for Water Conservation

If every home in the state were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, over 300 billion gallons of water could be saved per year.

by Dave Cogdill

Seeking Sustainability for California Groundwater

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act establishes a new structure for managing California’s groundwater and gives new authority to local agencies.

by Mark W. Cowin

Leveraging the Power of Social Media When Disaster Strikes

Emergencies offer an opportunity to connect with residents.

by Kristina Ray

What City Officials Need to Know About Cybersecurity

Hackers generally hit the easiest targets first. Such an attack may be financially based rather than an attempt to cause mayhem in your city. Risk can be mitigated in many ways, but one of the simplest ways is through a good security awareness training program.

by Lea Deesing

Converting Waste to Energy: How to Make it Happen in Your Community

Local jurisdictions with anaerobic digestion projects in their communities report multiple benefits.

by the Institute for Local Government Sustainability Team

Using Tourism to Grow Your Community’s Economy

Travelers spent $117 billion in California in 2014, and tourism provided jobs for more than 1 million Californians. Many regional destinations are leveraging their unique qualities and characteristics to build local tourism economies.

by Ryan Becker

Reducing Unfunded Liabilities for Other Post-Employment Benefits

Learn how one city reduced its liability by 73 percent.

by Nancy Kerry

Planting the Seeds for a Healthy and Vibrant Community

Property Tax Postponement Program Helps Seniors and People With Disabilities Remain in Their Homes

Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation in September 2014 bringing a successful property tax postponement program back to communities throughout California. Assembly Bill (AB) 2231 (Chapter 703, Statutes of 2014) reinstates and revises the Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program, which enables qualified Californians living on fixed incomes to remain in their homes and defer payment of all — or a portion of — the property taxes on their residence.

by Rich Gordon

Preventing Tech-Related Injuries: Watch Out for Distractions

Using laptop computers, tablets and smartphones is part of everyday work and home life. Technology connects us to information and each other. But it can take a toll in the form of eyestrain, back and neck pain, headaches and other — sometimes unexpected — ways.

by Kathy Espinoza