Many cities have the vision, the space, and the will to turn suburban landscapes into walkable, transit-rich neighborhoods. What they need now are the tools: local control and sustained infrastructure funding. That’s where the greatest challenge lies, argues Cal Cities Cities President Lynne B. Kennedy.

La Mesa has made climate action attractive for residents and developers alike. “La Mesa is a small city and not a wealthy city,” says one local climate activist. “Yet the city has gotten so much done, from adapting clean energy, reducing solid organic waste, and passing transportation measures to cut our carbon emissions.”  

Unpredictable inflationary pressures, federal policies, and state-mandated programs are making it hard to decide which infrastructure renewal projects to prioritize. Here are four tips to help city managers navigate these challenges effectively. 

The Eel River trail is one of three new projects in Rio Dell that have already made an impact on health and community-building. Officials in this Humboldt County town hope it will eventually serve another purpose: tourism.