Public Works/Infrastructure

Overview February 27, 2018

Public Works/Infrastructure

Article February 1, 2020 City Forum by Jill Oviatt

Lessons Learned From Utility-Initiated Power Shutoffs

Since October 2019, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company has cut power to Californians more than half a dozen times, with the smallest power shutoff affecting about 30,000 people and the largest affecting nearly 2.5 million. But cities have made it clear that this cannot be the new normal, and power shutoffs are in fact putting residents at real risk.

Article January 1, 2020 Features by Dan Carrigg

2019 Legislative Year in Review

When the 2019 legislative session began, Democrats had gained historic supermajorities in the Legislature. Yet progress for the progressive Democratic agenda was muted. And in the face of multiple attacks on local zoning authority and other challenges, the League and cities emerged surprisingly well.

Article December 1, 2019 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Building Public Trust in Times of Adversity

When utility-initiated power shutoffs began, city officials stepped up in new and creative ways to provide practical help to residents and communities left in the dark.

Article October 1, 2019 Features by Jim Madaffer

Where Transportation Technology and Funding Meet the Road

We are on the brink of a revolution in transportation.

Article July 1, 2019 Features by Brian Haddix

Small Cities Fund Public Works Infrastructure Projects With Clean Energy Savings

How can a city shift its power supply to clean energy, create jobs, complete projects on its deferred maintenance list and improve its bond rating — without raising taxes or local water and sewer utility rates? Two small cities offer a model.

Article July 1, 2019 Features

Exceptional Efforts: Local Streets and Roads Awards Recognize Innovation

The awards program honors counties and cities throughout California for creative and cost-effective projects that improve local streets, roads and bridges. It also showcases projects that promote fiscal and environmental sustainability in the local transportation system.

Article July 1, 2019 Features by Karalee Browne

E-commerce, Energy and the Environment: The Effects of Freight and Warehousing on Our Communities

Local government leaders face a dilemma in balancing economic opportunities with consumer needs and the environmental impacts of a booming e-commerce industry.

Article July 1, 2019 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Making Strides Toward a Sustainable Future

Cities are leading the way in finding innovative methods to leverage local assets, protect natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for their communities.

Article June 1, 2019 City Forum by Steve Brown

The Future City

An array of tech-based tools promises to help optimize operations, connect residents to new information and services, repair infrastructure and reimagine transportation.

Article June 1, 2019 Features by David Graham

Innovative by Necessity: Lessons from Modestly Sized Cities

A chief information officer describes how lessons learned from modestly sized cities can apply to cities of all sizes.

Article May 1, 2019 Features by Dan Carrigg

City Economic Development in 2019: Resources, Options and Prospects

Resources are available for those with the determination to understand and use the new tools and funding options.

Article May 1, 2019 Features by Karalee Browne

Community Choice Aggregation Drives Economic Development

This option reduces electricity costs, provides cleaner energy options, and offers economic opportunity and increased transparency.

Article April 1, 2019 Legal Notes by Jennifer Gore

Dockless Bicycles and Scooters: Responding to New Technology

Few technologies have overtaken cities as quickly as that of dockless bicycles and scooters, and these devices have proved difficult for cities to regulate.

Article March 1, 2019 Executive Director's Message by Carolyn Coleman

Responding to the Ongoing Threat of Pre-Emption

State legislatures nationwide have become more aggressive in wielding pre-emption to interfere with local democracy. Pre-emption is also alive and well at the federal level.

Article February 1, 2019 California Cities Helen Putnam Award for Excellence

Porterville Provides Clean, Sustainable Water After Neighbors’ Wells Fail

The East Porterville Water Supply Project offers a model for helping to meet the clean and sustainable drinking water needs of disadvantaged communities.

Article February 1, 2019 Features by Alison Leary

Courtroom Clashes Seek to Elevate City and Citizens’ Rights Over Telecom Company Profits

Residents and local communities have numerous concerns related to the telecom industry’s efforts to preempt local control.

Article February 1, 2019 News from the Institute for the Local Government By Kim Danko

Desalination’s Potential for California’s Water Supply

Although less than half a dozen desalination plants currently exist in the state, the idea is gaining momentum and greater support at the state level.