Local Works

Overview

Local Works

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

La Mesa is doing a lot with little on climate change

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.”  

Article Local Works By Caleb Zimmerschied Valadez

These two cities became biking oases. Could yours be next?

City officials in Davis and Emeryville found a way to make their communities happier, safer, and cleaner while also reducing carbon emissions: They made it easier to bike. “The point is to provide options,” said Jennifer Donofrio, Davis’ senior transportation planner. “People can choose to get around however they prefer.”

Article Local Works By Caleb Zimmerschied Valadez

Education, culture and community — free at the Santa Fe Springs Library

You may think of libraries as places to borrow books and access the internet. But think again — especially if you live near the Santa Fe Springs ​​​​Library. Bit by bit, it has become the city’s go-to institution for culture and entertainment.

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman 

Tiny bubbles create big ripples in Lake Elsinore

Like many freshwater lakes in the U.S., Lake Elsinore’s water quality has long been an issue. And it only got worse as temperatures and flooding increased. But in 2022, the namesake city found a way to restore this crown jewel that once attracted Hollywood celebrities like Steve McQueen.

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Pico Rivera wants to turn its biggest environmental challenge into its biggest economic opportunity

In 2018, Pico Rivera received bad news. The Whittier Narrows Dam, which runs right through the city, was on the brink of failure. But instead of seeing a setback, Pico Rivera saw an opportunity to reinvent itself.

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Beaumont tax tool reduces escrow surprises, improves tax transparency

Many California cities depend on Community Facilities Districts to fund the public services needed to support new homes. But sellers do not need to disclose these taxes until escrow, which can result in an unforeseen and challenging tax bill. 

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

‘The best way to get them is to develop homegrown talent.’ Temecula works to boost the region’s struggling medical workforce

Temecula is federally classified as a medically underserved community, with residents routinely traveling for hours even for primary care. But a city-run workforce program is working to change that.  

Affordable apartments in South Lake Tahoe
Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

City officials work to keep South Lake Tahoe afforda-blue

South Lake Tahoe’s housing stock is controlled by regional growth limits. That stock became even more limited in 2020, as white-collar workers freed from downtown office commutes in pricier regions moved to the area. Home prices and rent soared by double digits, displacing many longtime residents and seasonal workers.

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Santa Ana’s development renaissance captures national attention

Santa Ana has developed more affordable housing than any other city in Orange County. In fact, it’s on track to exceed its state-mandated housing goals for the second cycle in a row. But its most ambitious development is slated to open over the next decade.  

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

If you want something done in West Sacramento — ask a woman

In 2022, West Sacramento became the sixth city in the state to have an all-woman council. Voters didn’t set out intending to make history. It just so happened that the candidates that best represented their interests were all women. 

Article Local Works By Benjamin Garza

Backyard cottages are having a big impact in these two cities

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are easier to build than other housing units and blend seamlessly into the community. As a result, many cities are incentivizing ADUs to quickly increase housing — including Rosemead and Arcata. 

Article Local Works By Peter Grant and Matt Burton

Cypress targets fully funded pension by 2030

As every city knows, the combination of people living longer into retirement, underwhelming state pension returns, and lower discount rates are straining local budgets. But Cypress plans to wipe out its unfunded pension liability by 2030 — without taking on any new debt.

Article Local Works By Kerrie Romanow

Three ways San José leads in water resiliency and adaptation

Cities across California are looking for ways to keep their water supplies reliable even during droughts under a new water standard. San José’s wastewater treatment and municipal water system infrastructure can serve as a model for other cities.

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Coachella is building its way to an energy-efficient future

Meeting the demand for housing can be a formidable task for California’s desert communities. On top of the usual challenges of cost, resources, and land availability, these cities must contend with relentless heat and accompanying energy costs exacerbated by climate change.

Article Local Works By Christine Jones

San Diego is driving change through an arts workforce program

The city of San Diego is leading Far South/Border North, a regional initiative for artists and cultural practitioners. The program provided grant funding to 78 recipients for outreach and awareness campaigns focused on everything from public health to civic engagement.

Article Local Works By Anthony Valdez 

Bakersfield, known for moving quickly to address California’s homeless crisis, has a simple message: More must be done

For the past two years, Bakersfield has had more homeless people living in shelter than those without shelter. Yet as is the case across California, Bakersfield is staring down an inflow crisis. For every six people placed in permanent housing locally, another ten become newly homeless. 

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

There’s no way roundabout it. Cities dominated this statewide award program

Western City has several guiding values, chief among them collaboration. Unless we are talking about award programs. After two years of county domination, cities have reclaimed their rightful place at the top of the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Small business support keeps Dublin’s economy humming

If you’re looking for the best ways to support local businesses, travel east of San Francisco to Dublin — one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. for several years. But for many leaders, the best is yet to come. 

Article Local Works By Catherine Way and Rachel Kertz

How to become a fire-adapted community

In 2020, Marin County voters approved the state’s first JPA dedicated solely to local wildfire protection. The agency has a clear mission: Help Marin County co-exist with wildfire by adopting fire-adapted strategies. This starts with a “House Out” strategy that all cities can follow.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

In this rural city, a ‘nothing off the table’ mindset gets housing built

California’s housing crisis stretches from one end of the state to the other. For many small cities, the odds often feel insurmountable. Huron — located in the state’s agricultural heartland — shows that progress is possible. Cities just can’t do it by themselves.