Economic Development

Overview

Economic Development

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

League Sets 2015 Strategic Direction in Leadership Workshop

A senior leadership meeting of city officials from throughout the state used a dynamic, inclusive goalsetting process that built on the success of prior years and charted some new directions…

Article Features Dan Carrigg

2014 Legislative Year in Review

League actions in 2014 included sponsoring and supporting legislation on infrastructure, economic development and the redevelopment dissolution process. Other efforts focused on improving the…

Article Features Heidi SanbornGretchen Olsen

Product Stewardship Saves Money, Creates Jobs and Reduces Waste

The law that established California’s landmark waste hierarchy of “reduce, reuse and recycle” led to collaborative efforts and the concept of product stewardship.

Article Legal Notes Leah Goldberg

The Gatto Act Provides Cities With New Opportunities for Environmental Cleanup

The Legislature’s elimination of redevelopment agencies in 2012 stripped cities of several important tools to address blight in the community. Meanwhile, contamination or the threat of…

Sustainability Yields Fiscal and Economic Benefits

New resources offer practical tips to enhance cities’ economic prosperity and fiscal health.

Article Features Kim Summers

High Desert Cities Collaborate for Economic Development

Five cities took an innovative approach to attract business.

Article Features Scott OchoaSharon Mann Garrett

Glendale’s Economic Development Programs Revamp Its Image

A decade of public-private development partnerships provided impetus for change.

Article Features Cheryl Kitzerow

Temecula’s Business Incubator Helps Startups and More

The city provides resources to help local small businesses succeed.

Article Features Craig Watson

Inspiring the Creative Economy: How Cities Increase Economic Activity Through Innovation and The Arts

The arts can be an important economic engine for cities, no matter how large or small.

Article City Forum Caitlin Fitzwater

Get Creative: California Arts Council Offers Grant Funding Opportunity

The California Arts Council’s new Creative California Communities (CCC) Program supports innovative projects that harness arts and culture as a key economic development or arts service strategy…

Montclair and Ontario Invest in Future Workforce

Like many cities throughout California, Montclair and Ontario are faced with breaking the cycle of low adult educational attainment, family poverty and workforce development hurdles. An innovative…

Article City Forum James Hamill

Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing for Commercial Building Upgrades

Efforts to achieve greater energy efficiency in commercial and industrial buildings are often hampered by substantial upfront costs. To help local businesses overcome these cost barriers,…

Article President’s Message José Cisneros

Getting a Handle on Financial Issues

Many cities are experiencing very painful financial difficulties. Elected city officials grapple with budget challenges nearly every day. But cities are using a number of innovative approaches to…

Article Features Yvonne Hunter

Historic Preservation: A Springboard For Economic Development

Local agencies are using historic preservation to promote financial vitality.

SmartRiverside Transforms Community and Fosters Innovation

SmartRiverside has helped transform the city by promoting high-tech businesses, encouraging collaboration and creating a forum for communication between students and high-tech organizations.

Article Sustainable Cities Karalee BrowneSteve Sanders

Collaboration Promotes Economic Development and Advances Sustainability

A diverse alliance in the San Francisco Bay Area is showing that cooperation and collaboration among neighboring communities and the business sector can pay big dividends in new jobs that combine…

Institute Offers Resources for Sustainable Economic Development

New tools are available for local leaders looking for resources to help their cities meet fiscal challenges and thrive in today’s economic climate.