Public Works/Infrastructure

Overview

Public Works/Infrastructure

Aerial image of San Ramon's new overcrossing
Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman  

Cities honored for innovative projects making streets and roads safer

The cities of San Ramon, Atascadero, and West Sacramento received top marks for projects that make their streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. “People are inherently resistant to change, and this wasn’t a little change around edges,” said one city official.

Aerial view of the Bob Belt Beach Park
Article Local Works By Patrick Martinez

‘We used to avoid this area. Now it’s where people come to connect.’ Needles transforms neglected riverfront

For years, First Beach served as a makeshift gathering place for Needles residents. But with no shade, restrooms, or trash bins — and plenty of litter — it was often more of a hazard than a haven. The newly revamped riverfront has changed how both the town and residents see themselves. 

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

‘Hot Tub Bear’ delights new generations thanks to Monrovia’s public art program

“As life has become more complicated in recent years, public art has become something that brings our community together,” says Community Development Director Sheri Bermejo. “No matter your personal views or background, everyone can enjoy art.”

Article Features By John Lorinc

Does transit-oriented development lead to gentrification? It’s complicated

“Displacement can happen across any income group,” says planner Karen Chapple, “and it can happen with benefits or with losses. The policy issue is, is the diversity of the neighborhood that you had before as sustained as the new transit improvement comes in?”

Article Local Works By Caleb Zimmerschied Valadez

These two cities became biking oases. Could yours be next?

City officials in Davis and Emeryville found a way to make their communities happier, safer, and cleaner while also reducing carbon emissions: They made it easier to bike. “The point is to provide options,” said Jennifer Donofrio, Davis’ senior transportation planner. “People can choose to get around however they prefer.”

Article Solutions for Cities By Thomas Jackson and Bruce Dickinson

Four tips city managers can use to prioritize infrastructure renewal projects

Unpredictable inflationary pressures, federal policies, and state-mandated programs are making it hard to decide which infrastructure renewal projects to prioritize. Here are four tips to help city managers navigate these challenges effectively. 

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Pico Rivera wants to turn its biggest environmental challenge into its biggest economic opportunity

In 2018, Pico Rivera received bad news. The Whittier Narrows Dam, which runs right through the city, was on the brink of failure. But instead of seeing a setback, Pico Rivera saw an opportunity to reinvent itself.

Article Features By Jackie Krentzman

How three cities are turning last night’s pizza boxes into tomorrow’s compost and electricity

California is in the middle of an ambitious effort to overhaul its waste systems — chief among them organic waste. But reducing the million tons of organic waste thrown away each year has proven challenging. Here’s how three cities are successfully meeting the mandate.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Regina Cave

Citrus Heights transforms with a citywide beautification program

“We’re not just cleaning up the city; we’re changing how people feel about their community,” said Meghan Huber, the city’s economic development and community engagement director. “The Beautification Crew and our public outreach efforts have really made a difference.”

Article Features By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

These cities shifted gears to make big roadway changes

Elk Grove, Burbank, and San Pablo were some of the winners of the 2025 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards. Elk Grove dramatically improved its streets thanks to a systemic, fix-it-first maintenance approach. Burbank and San Pablo both overhauled major traffic corridors. 

Article Local Works By Jackie Krentzman

Beaumont tax tool reduces escrow surprises, improves tax transparency

Many California cities depend on Community Facilities Districts to fund the public services needed to support new homes. But sellers do not need to disclose these taxes until escrow, which can result in an unforeseen and challenging tax bill. 

Household batteries in a trash bin
Article Special to Cal Cities By Heidi Sanborn and Jordan Wells

Opinion: It’s time for California to help cities manage household hazardous waste

California has become a leader in passing laws that hold producers, not ratepayers, responsible for properly managing product and packaging waste. The state needs to take a similar approach to the state’s dangerous (and frequently, deadly) household hazardous waste.

Article Special to Cal Cities By Ray Marquez

Opinion: When it comes to high-speed rail, let’s go full steam ahead

“Cities in the Inland Empire are battling severe traffic congestion and deteriorating air quality,” writes Chino Hills Council Member Ray Marquez. “But local governments, along with state and federal partners, are laying the tracks for innovative solutions for the region and beyond.”

Article Features By Tia Fleming

California cities now have mandatory water budgets. Here’s how to get ready

California’s new water standards become effective Jan. 1, 2025. The new rule shifts away from a one-size-fits-all approach to community-specific conservation management and will affect almost every city — including the 199 classified as urban water suppliers.

Article Solutions for Cities By Ryan Gunstream

NORESCO can help you save and find money for your decarbonization and resiliency projects

A rapidly changing climate and new state laws are complicating local infrastructure challenges. Yet, the same wisdom still holds true. Success is in the details, and public works are the foundation of a cleaner, sustainable future.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

There’s no way roundabout it. Cities dominated this statewide award program

Western City has several guiding values, chief among them collaboration. Unless we are talking about award programs. After two years of county domination, cities have reclaimed their rightful place at the top of the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards.

Article Features By Jackie Krentzman

This is ‘on the level of the Flint water crisis,’ warn advocates at California’s southern border

Toxic waste from the Tijuana River has created a public health, economic, and environmental nightmare for cities in San Diego County. The ongoing crisis is a classic example of a local issue that requires a bipartisan regional, state, and federal response.

Article News from the Institute for the Local Government By Nikita Sinha

How cities are using open data to advance climate equity

Climate action planning and data are more important than ever. Funding programs are increasingly prioritizing projects that empower and benefit vulnerable populations. Some cities have found it beneficial to incorporate multiple layers of data into their systems.

Article Features By Peggy Flynn and Alex Renirie

How fair is a fair? People-powered decision-making at the Petaluma Fairgrounds

There is no magic bullet for disengagement and polarization. But there are ways to tackle these issues that don’t require dramatic new investments. Petaluma used one such method to resolve a decades-old conflict over an iconic property.

Article President's Message By League of California Cities President Daniel Parra

Effective storytelling builds trust and delivers results

“When we share stories about the opportunities or challenges in our cities, we are generating trust, inspiring people to get involved, and driving progress,” writes Cal Cities President Daniel Parra.