Regional Planning
While local governance matters, the metropolitan region is the scale at which communities collectively manage quality-of-life factors that transcend local boundaries, such…
Public Participation
Our society’s civic infrastructure is every bit as important as its physical infrastructure. Winston Churchill was correct: “We shape our buildings; thereafter,…
Local Economies & Economic Development
Livable communities have strong, vibrant economies that encourage local enterprise, meet residents’ needs, and promote stable employment while also furthering social equity…
Hazardous Waste Management
Hazardous waste prevention programs play a vital role in protecting water, air, and soil by promoting proper storage and disposal of toxic…
Green Building
Human health and ecological balance are threatened by certain aspects of conventional construction, which can release any of 1,500 identified bacterial and…
Energy Efficiency
The least costly energy is that which goes unused. Local governments can save substantial amounts of money via energy efficiency strategies, like…
Economic Impacts of Development Patterns
Achieving prosperity in the 21st century challenges local governments to consider new land use and transportation strategies to balance environmental, social and…
Bicycle and Pedestrian Design
Automobile-centric transportation systems have left a significant portion of California’s diverse population at a disadvantage. In 2003, 37% of the state’s residents did…
Street Design
The United States is experiencing a paradigm shift in neighborhood design. Individuals and groups are developing innovative strategies by which to make…
Air Quality
Despite overall improvements in air quality in recent decades due to “cleaner” vehicle technologies, mobile-source emissions still comprise the lion’s share of…