Public Works/Infrastructure

Overview

Public Works/Infrastructure

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 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 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 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 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

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.

A child biking alone on a protected bike bridge.
Article Features By Melissa Lee, CNU-A

Transportation networks are at a critical crossroads

Access to transportation in under-resourced communities — both in rural areas and large central cities — has reached a critical juncture. In these neighborhoods, transportation isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline.

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Erin Olsen

Pismo Beach transforms an iconic neighborhood

Shell Beach Road is Pismo Beach’s oldest road — and one of its most important downtown connectors. What began as a community concept to make it a safe, efficient, and enjoyable street for all its users turned into one of the largest projects ever completed by the city.

Article Legal Notes By Gail A. Karish

Is your city ready to regulate 5G wireless infrastructure? Think again

In 2018, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission placed stringent limits on local regulations that control the placement of small wireless facilities. Even if your city passed new regulations early on, it could be at risk due to changes in the law that favor the streamlined deployment of all types of wireless facilities. 

Article California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence By Damien R. Arrula

Placentia to provide high-speed internet access for all

Service providers are often reluctant to deploy high-speed universal broadband due to costs. To get around this, Placentia helped develop new microtrenching construction techniques that allow for quicker broadband deployment, even in areas with no existing connections.

Article President’s Message By League of California Cities President Ali Sajjad Taj

Extreme weather is putting California’s infrastructure in uncharted territory

As our climate crisis deepens, so too does the threat of extreme weather and the increased strain on our infrastructure. Despite recent federal investments in infrastructure, California cities need more support from the federal government to address the needs of our communities.

Article Local Works By Brian Lee-Mounger Hendershot

Berkeley and Monterey’s awarding-winning infrastructure projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Two innovative infrastructure projects in the cities of Berkeley and Monterey received top honors from the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award program. The statewide program recognized Berkeley for its renovation of the “worst streets in town” and Monterey for a citywide adaptive traffic control system.