Environment and Energy

Overview

Environment and Energy

Article City Forum by Heidi Sanborn and Jordan Wells

Good News for Cities: Producer-Paid Medication and Needle Collection Is Coming

A new law requires a statewide system of drop-off kiosks for unwanted medications and a fully funded mail-back system for sharps. It also includes education, oversight and data tracking mechanisms to ensure successful implementation.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Making Strides Toward a Sustainable Future

Cities are leading the way in finding innovative methods to leverage local assets, protect natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for their communities.

Article Features by Dan Carrigg

City Economic Development in 2019: Resources, Options and Prospects

Resources are available  for those with  the determination to understand and use the new tools and funding options.

Article Features by Karalee Browne

Community Choice Aggregation Drives Economic Development

This option reduces electricity costs, provides cleaner energy options, and offers economic opportunity and increased transparency.

Article Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Cities Adapt as Tools for Economic Development Evolve

City leaders are pursuing new and innovative ways to enhance their community’s economic well-being.

Article Legal Notes by Christian Marsh

California’s Public Trust Doctrine Draws Attention in the Courts

During the past decade, California has experienced a surge in the volume of public trust cases and recent court decisions.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government By Kim Danko

Desalination’s Potential for California’s Water Supply

Although less than half a dozen desalination plants currently exist in the state, the idea is gaining momentum and greater support at the state level.

Article Features by Karalee Browne

Public Safety and Wildfire Resilience

Making wildfire resilience a priority helps cities ensure their communities are safe and prosperous for generations to come.

Article City Forum by Cindy Silva and David Rabbitt

We Can Outsmart Disaster: Why Local Governments Should Get Involved

A look at how communities can plan for an earthquake and improve resilience.

Article Features by Shaun M. Anderson

Creating a Collaborative Community Development Initiative

Using sports for community development initiatives holds promise for cities.

Article Features by Charity Schiller

Newly Proposed CEQA Guidelines Are Coming to Your Town

Key facts and trends city officials need to understand.

Article Features by Yvonne Hunter

Planning Collaboratively For Extreme Heat Events

Extreme heat events now affect communities statewide and present resiliency planning challenges.

Article Features by Steve Sanders and Karalee Browne

Collaboration Helps Cities Become More Prosperous and Sustainable

Partnerships can help local communities attract investments that advance sustainability and boost local economies.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Karalee Browne

Beacon Program Helps Cities Lead the Way to a More Sustainable State

The program helps local agencies reach aggressive state climate goals.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government by Steve Sanders

State Climate Investments Boost Local Communities

State programs aimed at solving climate change can also help cities tackle many of their other community priorities. The cap-and-trade program generates substantial revenue that the state invests to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other community co-benefits.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government Steve Sanders

Resiliency Is Key to Managing the Risks of Climate Change

Over 2 million households in California are at high or extreme risk from wildfires, and cities statewide will have to step up their efforts in hazard mitigation, emergency planning and resilience.

Article Features Karalee Browne

Challenges of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Cities are tackling the need for charging infrastructure to power electric vehicles. This article highlights pilot programs, lessons learned and more.

Article Features

Contract Provisions Expedite Flood Cleanup in San José

An unusual emergency services agreement yielded significant benefits when disaster struck.

Article Features Heidi SanbornAkin BabatolaDebbie Raphael

Focusing on Safe Disposal of Sharps and Pharmaceutical Waste

Local governments’ extended producer responsibility programs offer policy models for other states.