All 18 metropolitan planning organizations in California will
have adopted their first Regional Transportation Plans under SB
375 by May 2015. This article looks at what SB 375 has
accomplished…
An oil boom in North Dakota and Canada from the Bakken shale
formation and a lack of pipeline infrastructure have led to a
dramatic increase in oil-by-rail shipments nationwide. As the
volume…
In 10 years it is expected that, without greater investment, 25
percent of local streets and roads will be ranked “poor” —
compared with 6 percent today. The local system will have an…
The Beacon Award program, a catalyst for innovative and effective solutions, addresses climate change at the local level and informs the community about these activities.
The law that established California’s landmark waste hierarchy of
“reduce, reuse and recycle” led to collaborative efforts and the
concept of product stewardship.
San Rafael has focused on sustainable land use by preserving open
space, encouraging mixed-use infill development and adopting
green building requirements. Now its community is actively
reducing…
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…
Throughout California, city and county officials make planning,
policy and land-use decisions on a weekly basis. Local officials
understand that such decisions affect their community’s…
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the primary
state law that requires public agencies and their decision-makers
to understand and evaluate the environmental consequences of
their…
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Legacy Park, which was
designed to showcase six regionally significant habitats,
including the coastal prairie, woodlands, coastal bluffs,
riparian…
California’s energy utilities and state agencies offer rebates, zero-interest loans, grants and other types of financing incentives to cities, residents and businesses.
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,…
