Local officials can learn about participating in the statewide sustainability and climate change recognition program, The Beacon Award: Local Leadership toward Solving Climate Change, by participating in two free webinars offered by the Institute for Local Government in conjunction with the Sustainable Communities Learning Network.
Cities and counties are leading by example and undertaking a
range of activities to address climate change. 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.
One of the “indispensable competencies” for local government
leaders is the ability to communicate through stories, according
to Frank Benest, former city manager of Palo Alto and consultant
to local governments. Benest uses storytelling as a tool to help
local officials with strategic decision-making, because stories
provide a compelling way to convey who you are and where you are
going.
A key premise of the Institute for Local Government’s
sustainability program efforts is the value of voluntary action
by local agencies to undertake sustainability policy initiatives.
Local agencies act within the policy context, however, of state
and federal laws.
The Institute has prepared a guide that examines how
the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (sometimes
known by its legislative identity: AB 32) specifically affects
local agencies.
The Climate Action and Sustainability Best Practices Framework
offers suggestions for local action in ten Best Practice Areas,
both in agency operations and the community at large.
To better serve local government our website has moved
up to an improved platform. With any move, glitches can
happen – please let us know if you find any by emailing kplag@ca-ilg.org. Thank
you!
