“Every decision-maker — regardless of political party — needs to hear the stories of city officials and how federal decisions will impact our cities and residents,” writes Cal Cities President Lynne B. Kennedy. “Our job is to put the face behind the number and humanize funding decisions and priorities.”

California is in the middle of an ambitious effort to overhaul its waste systems — chief among them organic waste. But reducing the million tons of organic waste thrown away each year has proven challenging. Here’s how three cities are successfully meeting the mandate.

While increasing affordable housing is typically at the forefront of most policymakers’ minds, remedying substandard conditions in existing homes is often overlooked. Three new laws look to change that, but local leaders need to act fast.