Public Works/Infrastructure

Overview

Public Works/Infrastructure

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

Are City Governments the Last Bastion Of Democracy?

Cities are not just the laboratories of democracy; they may well also be its salvation.

Article Legal Notes Gail A. Karish

Wireless Industry Seeks to Limit Local Zoning Authority

Wireless industry lobbyists continue to advocate before Congress, state legislators and the Federal Communications Commission that local zoning requirements are a barrier that must be cleared away….

Article President’s Message José Cisneros

California’s Crumbling Infrastructure: An Urgent Priority

For the ninth time in the past 10 years, the League has identified infrastructure investment as one of its top priorities. You don’t have to look far to understand why.

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 Features Lindsay Buckley

Beyond the Light Bulb: Natural Gas Opportunities for Local Agencies

Natural gas offers ways to increase efficiency and save money.

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.

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.

Article Features Web Exclusive

Award of Excellence for Writing

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

Article Features Steven R. MeyersBritt K. Strottman

Under California: Knowing What Lies Beneath

Most people are generally unaware of what lies beneath the streets they travel on each day. Understanding the sub-surface infrastructure is an important local government consideration.

Redlands311: Smartphone App Serves Residents

The app provides a way to report a wide range of issues, including potholes, vandalism, water leaks and more, directly to city staff.

Article Executive Director's Message Chris McKenzie

If You Rebuild It They Will Come: How State-Local Partnerships Have Changed the Face of California and Its Cities

Today multiple bills are pending to recreate tax-increment financing. It requires vision, persistence and enough public investment to attract private capital and development that produce…

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…

Perris Reaches Out to Make Sewer System Upgrade Possible

How one city overcame significant community resistance.

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…