Environment and Energy

Overview

Environment and Energy

Elk Grove Rain Garden Plaza Showcases Water Conservation

A public project demonstrates sustainable stormwater management practices and offers an educational, inviting space.

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.

ILG Releases Updated Online Guide to Planning Healthy Neighborhoods

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…

Article Legal Notes Stephen E. Velyvis

Practical Advice for Minimizing CEQA Liability in Your City

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…

Malibu’s Legacy Park: A Public Works Approach to Sustainability

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…

Article Sustainable Cities Yvonne Hunter

Financial Resources to Support Energy Efficiency

California’s energy utilities and state agencies offer rebates, zero-interest loans, grants and other types of financing incentives to cities, residents and businesses.

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 Sustainable Cities The Institute For Local Government Team

Bright Ideas for Connecting Youth and Sustainability

Activities that help youth become involved in and understand issues related to sustainability span a broad range.

Article Features Lindsay Buckley

Beyond the Light Bulb: Natural Gas Opportunities for Local Agencies

Natural gas offers ways to increase efficiency and save money.

Article City Forum Marcus Ginnaty

Solar Decathlon Features Innovation, Municipal Day and More

An international competition of solar-powered, energy-efficient houses designed by teams of college students, is coming to Southern California.

Article Sustainable Cities The Institute For Local Government Sustainability Team

Sustainability’s New Normal: Capturing Multiple Benefits

California cities and counties are increasingly finding that investing today in energy efficiency, sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has both immediate and longer-term benefits.

ILG Releases Updated Sustainability Best Practices Framework

The newly revised framework offers options to consider for local action in 10 areas from energy efficiency and conservation to efficient transportation, promoting community and individual action…

Article Features Don Nottoli

The Current Plan is Flawed

Article Features Mark Cowin

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan: An Overview and Local Perspectives

The Delta supplies a large share of the water used in Southern California and other parts of the state. A new plan proposes dramatic changes to how water is moved from the Delta.

Cathedral City Takes Action on Energy Efficiency

Using a variety of partnerships and local initiatives, Cathedral City reduced its energy costs.

Article Features Web Exclusive

Award of Excellence for Writing

Western City Article on Controversial Bay-Delta Conservation Plan Wins Award