Environment and Energy

Overview

Environment and Energy

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.

Article Features Jennifer ArmerSteve Sanders

Partnerships Make Roadways Safer

In tough economic times expectations remain high for cities to provide quality public services and facilities, though resources to fund desired projects are scarce. One strategy for overcoming…

Article President’s Message Bill Bogaard

The Impact of Our Crumbling Infrastructure on California’s Economy

The state’s goals around reducing greenhouse gas emissions are based on a vision that concentrates growth in urban cores and utilizes transit. To meet these goals, cities must be able to make…

Article City Forum Jennifer Whiting

New Report on Roads: Fix Problems Now or Pay More Later

Pavement conditions are deteriorating throughout California, and while the costs are high for even the most basic repair and maintenance, the price tag for waiting is far higher, from both an…

Article Sustainable Cities Karalee Browne

Peer Learning Network Advances Leadership in Sustainability

The Sustainable Communities Learning Network links nonprofit, governmental, private sector and community organizations statewide. It provides a way to share best practices and seek information from…

Article Features Dan Carrigg

2012 Legislative Year In Review

While the past few years have presented major challenges for cities, the events of 2012 included some bright spots as well. This article presents an overview of the year’s legislative…

Article Sustainable Cities Yvonne Hunter

Financing Energy Efficiency: Options And Issues to Consider

Efforts to finance energy-efficiency projects benefit from thinking ahead about the pros and cons of different options.

Article City Forum John ByrneJon Penkower

A New Approach to Financing Energy Efficiency

A new program gives local governments access to tax-exempt financing for sustainable energy investments and projects.

Article Sustainable Cities Yvonne Hunter

Today’s Youth: Tomorrow’s Green Workforce

Green training programs that focus on youth also contribute to local economies and job expansion.

Article Features Eva Spiegel

10 Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar Power on Agency Facilities

As the cost of installing solar photovoltaic systems on agency facilities has declined over the past few years, local agencies are considering the benefits. Asking the right questions can help make…

Article Sustainable Cities Yvonne HunterJessica Aviña Tong

Sustainability’s Many Faces: Beacon Award Program Participants Create Vibrant Communities

Cities and counties throughout California are demonstrating leadership in creating vibrant, healthy communities by adopting policies and programs that support sustainability.

New Resources: The Latest in Best Practices and More

Local officials looking for tools to help them serve their communities now have access to a variety of new resources.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Summer Reading: Food for Thought

A new book reminds us how good leaders seize crises to remake organizational habits.

Article City Forum

New Program Offers Help With Planning for Energy Emergencies

The California Local Energy Assurance Planning program offers local governments support in planning for interruptions to energy supplies.

Hollister Uses Solar Technology to Save Money and Educate Workforce

The city took an innovative tack in dealing with unpredictable electricity rates and used a public-private partnership to train workers for the green energy industry.

California’s Green Economy Links Economic Development and Sustainability

The continued expansion in core green industries, such as energy generation and efficiency, recycling and waste, clean transportation, water and wastewater, offers cause for guarded optimism.

Gonzales Grows Green: An Innovative Economic Program

Gonzales offers an excellent model of an economic development program that focuses on sustainability and builds trust and understanding.

Article Features Gary Gallegos

Trailblazing a Sustainable Path

A new era of transportation planning has dawned in California as metropolitan planning organizations throughout the state work to comply with Senate Bill 375.