Every day local leaders work to make their cities better places in which to live, work, and play. They approve projects to increase affordable housing, address homelessness, improve streets and roads, spur economic growth, and deliver essential services to protect citizens.
The Cal Cities #LocalWorks initiative shines the spotlight on examples of local actions that are making a difference to their communities. See below how local works and if you have a #LocalWorks story to share, please contact your Regional Public Affairs Manager or the Cal Cities Communications Department.
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City Projects
February 12, 2020
The world of municipal finance management can be complex and difficult to navigate. Cities face increasing fiscal challenges as they strive to effectively balance rising pension costs and other unfunded liabilities with providing services to keep their residents safe and their communities thriving.
- See more at: https://www.cacities.org/Top/News/News-Articles#sthash.uTrqTMsD.dpuf
February 12, 2020
The world of municipal finance management can be complex and difficult to navigate. Cities face increasing fiscal challenges as they strive to effectively balance rising pension costs and other unfunded liabilities with providing services to keep their residents safe and their communities thriving.
- See more at: https://www.cacities.org/Top/News/News-Articles#sthash.uTrqTMsD.dpuf
February 12, 2020
The world of municipal finance management can be complex and difficult to navigate. Cities face increasing fiscal challenges as they strive to effectively balance rising pension costs and other unfunded liabilities with providing services to keep their residents safe and their communities thriving.
- See more at: https://www.cacities.org/cms/getdoc/0361e858-1f1b-447e-bf17-12bb04ccca35/News-Articles.aspx?viewmode=3&showpanel=1&cmscontentchanged=false&lang=en-US&langobjectlifetime=request#sthash.i1jspoH5.dpuf
February 12, 2020
The world of municipal finance management can be complex and difficult to navigate. Cities face increasing fiscal challenges as they strive to effectively balance rising pension costs and other unfunded liabilities with providing services to keep their residents safe and their communities thriving.
- See more at: https://www.cacities.org/cms/getdoc/0361e858-1f1b-447e-bf17-12bb04ccca35/News-Articles.aspx?viewmode=3&showpanel=1&cmscontentchanged=false&lang=en-US&langobjectlifetime=request#sthash.i1jspoH5.dpuf
February 12, 2020
The world of municipal finance management can be complex and difficult to navigate. Cities face increasing fiscal challenges as they strive to effectively balance rising pension costs and other unfunded liabilities with providing services to keep their residents safe and their communities thriving.
- See more at: https://www.cacities.org/cms/getdoc/0361e858-1f1b-447e-bf17-12bb04ccca35/News-Articles.aspx?viewmode=3&showpanel=1&cmscontentchanged=false&lang=en-US&langobjectlifetime=request#sthash.i1jspoH5.dpuf
June 9, 2021
As schools close and vaccination rates increase, families are returning to popular summer activities in droves. This presents a challenge for cities, which must balance the needs of their residents with public safety.
The Phillip West Aquatics Center in American Canyon received international recognition for its response to COVID-19. The center is safely offering many hallmark programs this summer, including water aerobics, lap swimming, and its learn to swim program.
June 2, 2021
Starting this summer, shoppers and commuters in Redwood City will no longer have to circle city block after city block to look for parking. The city is installing new technology to launch a parking guidance system that will add digital signage to city streets to easily and quickly direct motorists to an available parking spot.
May 19, 2021
After receiving numerous requests from the community for pickleball courts, the city of Solvang developed a creative approach to make the project a reality. A highly collaborative process, the new courts are the result of in-kind support from residents, funding from both the city and community, and the dedicated efforts of city staff.
April 28, 2021
During the pandemic, San Diego's creative industry was suffering. By September 2020, 14,500 local artists and creative professionals had lost their jobs. The city acted fast and purchased 100 pieces of visual art by area artists – the largest such acquisition in the city’s history.
April 14, 2021
During the pandemic, deliveries have skyrocketed and an increase in large diesel delivery trucks on the road have raised concerns about pollution and traffic congestion.
March 31, 2021
Further north, the city of Ukiah has completed the first three phases of a new water recycling facility which provides an additional 1,000 acre-feet per year of water to the Ukiah Valley. The project addresses several local needs including meeting regulatory requirements that limit the city’s wastewater discharge to the Russian River. It also creates a more diversified and drought resilient water supply and provides water for agricultural uses like irrigation and frost protection.
March 17, 2021
A new trail in the city of Blue Lake is getting a lot of use from local residents and regional recreation enthusiasts. In fact, it was recently featured at the annual North Coast Trails Summit that was hosted virtually this year by Senator Mike McGuire. Groundbreaking on the first segment of the Annie & Mary Trail in Blue Lake began in May last year and was completed in November 2020. Today, residents use the trail to ride horses, bikes, skateboards, roller skate, walk, and run.
February 23, 2021
Before the pandemic, approximately one in five California students lacked high-speed internet or an appropriate computer to do school work at home. When the pandemic hit and a majority of students began distance learning, new barriers arose, including Internet speed limits. To address these challenges, the city of Temecula created creating WiFi gardens in public parks, where students can use city WiFi free of charge to complete their schooling.
February 2, 2021
In December 2020, San Luis Obispo, Manhattan Beach, and San Leandro received a Small City Honorable Mention award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for their climate protection best practices. Specifically, former Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery, San Leandro Mayor Pauline Cutter, and San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon were recognized for their leadership in taking local action and are featured in the 14th Annual Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards.
January 20, 2021
The City of Paramount took a proactive approach to support the efforts of local parents and teachers who are working diligently to provide high quality education through distance learning. The City worked with Paramount Unified School District (PUSD) to provide students with free, live virtual tutoring through a partnership with Paper Learning “My Tutor” program.
January 6, 2021
The Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its 2020 Municipal Equality Index in which 15 California cities received the maximum score of 100 on the nationwide assessment of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, policy, and services.
December 9, 2020
California cities have been working to find innovative ways to support their local businesses. Like many of the businesses impacted by the pandemic, the restaurant industry has struggled to keep their doors open. To assist local restaurants, the City of Pico Rivera launched an exciting new program called the Parklet Pilot Project, which creatively transformed street areas into outdoor dining spaces using shipping containers.
December 1, 2020
Since 1949, communities from across the country have competed for the prestigious All-America City Award, presented by the National Civic League. By celebrating the best in local innovation, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the All-America City Awards recognize cities’ ability to tackle tough issues and create real change.
November 18, 2020
In lieu of parades and large in-person celebrations, cities across the state found meaningful ways to engage residents in commemorating the service, sacrifice, and contributions of our nation’s veterans. From virtual presentations to military flyovers to collecting letters for veterans and active service members, cities worked hard to ensure the brave men and women who fearlessly defended our freedom received the recognition they deserve.
November 4, 2020
Although Halloween was celebrated differently this year, cities around the state worked hard to provide fun and creative activities and contests to help residents safely enjoy the holiday. From drive through trick-or-treating, to scarecrow contests, parades, and scavenger hunts – there was no shortage of safe Halloween festivities.
October 28, 2020
Three California cities – Chula Vista, Oakland, and Stockton – were selected to participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies City Budgeting for Equity and Recovery program designed to help cities use data-driven best practices to address budget shortfalls and strengthen equity in the wake of COVID-19.
October 21, 2020
Since the pandemic began, more residents are utilizing e-cart or grocery delivery services. Now, in Modesto residents have another grocery shopping option: robot delivery.
When presented with the opportunity to bring cutting-edge technology to their community, Modesto city officials moved fast to make this safe, low-cost, and physically-distant way to get groceries delivered a reality.
September 30, 2020
On Sept. 24, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs took part in California Climate Action Day, as one of the featured speakers in a series of virtual conversations with world, state, city, tribal, and business leaders to discuss innovative solutions to climate challenges. Mayor Tubbs served as a panelist where he talked about climate justice and the correlation between racial inequities and climate impacts.
September 23, 2020
On Sept. 16, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that four California cities — El Centro, Lake Elsinore, San Jose, and South Lake Tahoe — are among the first recipients of funding under Homekey, a statewide program designed to house those experiencing homelessness.
September 15, 2020
The City of Santa Rosa has updated their messaging and materials to urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19, in addition to natural disasters and other emergencies by implementing a multi-faceted communications program utilizing multilingual materials that are easy-to-understand and provide clear instructions on how residents can prepare, access safety information, and be ready to evacuate during an emergency.
September 8, 2020
Cities across the state have been working hard to educate residents about the importance of participating in the 2020 Census. When looking at cities by population size, the California Secretary of State reports that the cities of Monte Sereno, Piedmont, and Yorba Linda have top census self-response rates.
September 1, 2020
San Francisco has doubled down on its commitment to support Black-owned businesses impacted by COVID-19. The city just announced that its African American Small Business Revolving Loan Fund has grown to $3.2 million and will help at least 70 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs access much-needed financial capital, with zero-interest loans of up to $50,000.
August 26, 2020
Under normal circumstances, individuals experiencing homelessness are some of the community’s most vulnerable residents, but during the COVID-19 pandemic they are an even greater at-risk population. The City of Whittier has set up an emergency shelter to provide lodging, hygiene facilities, meals, and community resources to those in need.
August 18, 2020
Realizing that peer-to-peer communication is often very effective in driving change, city officials in South Lake Tahoe recently launched a resident-led safety ambassador program. Residents who sign up to volunteer for the program are supplied with face masks from the city and then they hit the streets to encourage fellow residents and visitors to “mask up.”
August 11, 2020
As parents, teachers, and school districts adapt to new distance and hybrid learning models to start the new academic year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of San Jose is addressing one major hurdle to this new virtual learning, internet accessibility.
August 4, 2020
For the past 26 years, the City of Madera has enjoyed multiple cultural exchanges and explored business, trade, and educational opportunities with its sister city Yilan in Taiwan. But a recent donation of much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) demonstrated the strength of the cities’ bond.
July 28, 2020
In an effort to reduce coronavirus transmission, the cities of Vallejo and Benicia collaborated to secure hotel and motel rooms for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in their area, providing shelter and wraparound services to 125 residents so far through the Vallejo/Benicia Project Roomkey initiative.
July 22, 2020
Economic recovery is vitally important to cities as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing health pandemic and resulting economic downturn. The City of Vista is providing businesses with the tools and resources they need to adjust to new ways of doing business and help their local economy recover.
July 15, 2020
The beginning of July usually kicks off National Parks and Recreation month, however summer during a pandemic is tough on everyone, especially children and working parents. Fortunately, many city parks and recreation departments quickly adapted in-person camps so children could participate in hands-on activities in small clusters. Many cities are offering a series of creative virtual camps and programs, keeping kids active, engaged, and educated over the summer.
July 8, 2020
Libraries are a staple of the community and many residents, however with COVID-19 disrupting all aspects of life libraries have transformed their services to provide as many resources as they can to communities, including resources not typically associated with libraries.
June 30, 2020
Balancing the need to protect public health and stimulate local economic activity has been at the forefront of city leaders’ minds.They have been hard at work creating plans for how businesses could safely reopen while remaining fluid and flexible due to changing conditions and state guidelines.
June 26, 2020
The City of Novato city council approved the Novato Small Business Relief Fund to help small business owners retain local jobs, keep storefronts populated, and support the local economy in light of COVID-19.
June 12, 2020
The seaside City of Grover Beach may be small, but it’s community spirit is abundant. City leaders launched the #GBtogether initiative to encourage residents and businesses to have some fun and stay strong while staying the course during the pandemic and phased reopening.
June 9, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lomita city officials launched a campaign called “Lift Up Lomita” in hopes of amplifying and multiplying the grassroots acts of neighborliness across the community. The campaign celebrates community members supporting one another and helps facilitate and direct resources toward individuals in need.
June 3, 2020
With beaches closed, San Diego lifeguards were asked to step into a new role to help the homeless population staying at the convention center during the pandemic, by maintaining a clean environment, taking temperatures, and building connections.
May 29, 2020
The city of Bellflower opened the New Hope Temporary Services Shelter, a new state of the art 50-bed homeless shelter and navigation center that provides much needed services to city’s homeless population.
May 22, 2020
Recognizing that students would not be able to participate in traditional graduation ceremonies, the City of Lancaster launched its “Turn your Tassel” campaign which rolled out a series of ways to publicly recognize students graduating this year.
May 22, 2020
The City of Folsom created "Stop, Pop, and Go" to make donations easy for community members to help gather food and supplies for residents in need.
May 13, 2020
A first person account by Temecula City Manager Aaron Adams
May 5, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and safe at home guidelines, the city launched its Oakland Slow Streets program to support safe physical activity by creating more space for physical distancing for its residents.
May 5, 2020
The Town of Yountville Neighbors Network encourages connections with neighbors to meet new needs that developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 1, 2020
The City of Goleta is working to uplift spirits and promote positive images within their community by launching the #GoodLandGoodPeople photo campaign to share how families and residents are staying busy and positive during this time.
April 29, 2020
The swearing in of new mayors and council members is normally a widely attended event. Family, friends, and residents often pack the council chambers as witness to their newly elected officials taking oath to begin their term in service to the community. However, in the age of COVID-19 and under stay-at-home orders, the scene of this once typical event looks quite different.
April 24, 2020
The City of Fremont, the City of Redlands, and the City of Santa Monica have each developed interactive maps where residents could find restaurants and coffee shops in their city that offer take-out and delivery options, as well as shops that were still open for business.
April 17, 2020
The City of Watsonville brought joy to families in their community through a virtual Easter egg hunt, which took place Easter morning. Since families were unable to gather Easter Sunday, the city brought Easter to residents.
April 16, 2020
Cities are recognizing and finding ways to keep their communities safe and boost morale during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Burbank came up with a campaign called Burbank Together at Home, encouraging the community to Be Supportive, Be Local, Be Active, Be Smart, and Be Kind.
April 13, 2020
Tony Elliot, City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Director, shared a video message on ways to help keep families and the community safe by adhering to the stay-at-home order, physical distancing guidance, and all posted department notices during the pandemic.
April 10, 2020
The Culver City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department converted their on-site meal program for seniors to a pick-up and delivery service. The program serves hundreds of meals while practicing safety guidelines and physical distancing.
April 9, 2020
The City of El Monte launched a “virtual city hall” to continue to provide services to residents during the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual city hall provides real-time services to residents, and allows them to schedule meetings, access city services, and speak with city staff.
April 8, 2020
The City of Sacramento has joined a broad coalition of public, private, nonprofit, labor, and philanthropic partners to launch a fundraising effort to help those hurt economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign, called Donate4Sacramento, leverages and deepens support for families, small businesses and their employees, unhoused residents, and nonprofits.
April 7, 2020
City leaders are stepping up with solutions for protecting those that are experiencing homelessness in their communities during the pandemic. San Diego converted its convention center into a shelter for the homeless population in the county to reduce the chance of virus transmission.
February 19, 2020
The city of Pasadena allocates $3 million annually to fund housing and supportive services for individuals, families, and youth in an effort to end homelessness in their community. Multi-unit housing sites Marv's Place, Euclid Villa, and Centennial Place provide permanent homes for formerly homeless families in the region. Each location offers onsite supportive services with tools and resources to help end the cycle of homelessness and increase long-term stability.
February 14, 2020
Six jurisdictions in Napa County, including the cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, and Yountville, and the county, formed a unique partnership to raise funds for workforce housing, so that the people who work in Napa County can live in Napa County.
February 14, 2020
California droughts heavily impacted Grass Valley’s fields and parks, resulting in uneven dirt spaces and costly to water and maintain. The city heard the cry of unhappy residents and proposed a one-cent sales tax for police, fire, road improvements, and parks. After voter approval, the city partnered with the Grass Valley School District to create a $1.5 million all-season 84,000-square-foot all-weather sports field for school and public use.