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Institute for Local Government
Promoting Good Government at the Local Level
ILG is the research and education affiliate of the California State Association of Counties and the League of California Cities.

Land Use & Community Design

Land Use & Community Design

Well-planned communities with a balance of housing, jobs, shopping, schools and recreation give people the option of walking, biking, or using transit rather than driving. This results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and also promotes physical activity and more vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities.

In this section you will find:

  • Best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, organized around the land use & community design goals listed below.
  • Examples and resources related to this topic are displayed below the best practice goals.

Land Use & Community Design Goals

  • Create communities and neighborhoods that are attractive, safe and convenient for walkers and bicyclists.
  • Orient new development to capitalize on transit system investments and services.
  • Adopt policies that promote compact and efficient development in new and existing communities.
  • Incorporate greenhouse gas emissions considerations into the General Plan and environmental review process.
  • Establish planning processes that encourage reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Increase transportation choices.
Read more »

Financing Local Sustainability Efforts

  This article offers resources to identify funding sources, as well as suggestions on key issues to consider when evaluating the cost of a project.Read more »

Key Resources for Land Use & Community Design

Land use and community design includes a wide range of strategies and actions. Here are some key resources that can help you explore the range of opportunities and determine what fits well for your city or county.Read more »

ILG Climate Leadership Stories on Land Use & Community Design

Cities and counties are leading by example and undertaking a range of activities to address climate change in this best practice area. These case stories demonstrate the depth and richness of local agency activities and can serve as examples that other agencies can adapt to meet their communities' unique circumstances.Read more »

Santa Monica's Complete Green Street Project

The Santa Monica City Council has approved a design to implement a variety of “green” improvements along a nine-block stretch of Ocean Park Boulevard.Read more »

City of Taft Embracing Sustainability

The City of Taft includes sustainability in its general planning.Read more »

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More options

CCAN Best Practices

  • Greenhouse Gas Inventories
  • Climate Action Plans
  • Energy Efficiency & Conservation
  • Water & Wastewater Systems
  • Green Building
  • Waste Reduction & Recycling
  • Climate-Friendly Purchasing
  • Renewable Energy & Low-Carbon Fuels
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  • Land Use & Community Design
  • Open Space & Offsetting Carbon Emissions
  • Promoting Community & Individual Action
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Climate Action Portal

The Institute is pleased to provide this site focusing on climate action in the SF Bay Area in partnership with the BAAQMD. »

ILG Climate Leadership Stories on Land Use & Community Design

Read about exemplary city and county land use & community design efforts »

Financial Resources for Sustainability

Read ILG's whitepaper on financing local sustainability efforts »

Showcase Your Agency's Climate Action Story

What is your agency doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? »

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