News from the Institute for Local Government

ILG Releases Updated Sustainability Best Practices Framework

The newly revised framework offers options to consider for local action in 10 areas from energy efficiency and conservation to efficient transportation, promoting community and individual action…

Institute Offers Resources for Sustainable Economic Development

New tools are available for local leaders looking for resources to help their cities meet fiscal challenges and thrive in today’s economic climate.

Meetings: Bane or Blessing? New Resource Center Offers Help

Meetings can present a broad range of challenges for local officials. A collection of useful materials offers practical information on related topics that include chairing a meeting, dealing with a…

In Case We Haven’t Met: ILG Provides Tools and Resources for Local Leaders

The ILG website offers a broad array of tools for newly elected local officials and their staff as well as seasoned officials.

Resources to Help New Leaders Get Started

Understanding “how to get things done as a newly elected official” is a priority for local officials. New online resources help streamline the process.

“Shout Out” to Youth About Local Civics and Careers in City Government

By acting now, local officials can build a future pool of committed, prepared public servants.

New Resources: The Latest in Best Practices and More

Local officials looking for tools to help them serve their communities now have access to a variety of new resources.

California’s Green Economy Links Economic Development and Sustainability

The continued expansion in core green industries, such as energy generation and efficiency, recycling and waste, clean transportation, water and wastewater, offers cause for guarded optimism.

Resources for Involving the Public in Land-Use Planning Decisions

Land-use planning can present difficult and divisive issues for communities. A local agency’s land-use planning decisions literally affect people where they live.

Resources for Leaders in Difficult Times

While there is no easy answer to the difficult decisions local leaders must often make, a number of strategies can make such work easier. A key element of the Institute for Local Government’s…

Intergovernmental Collaboration Through Joint Use of Facilities

Local agencies throughout California are employing joint-use agreements as a tool to stretch taxpayer resources as far as possible in service to shared constituents.

Fiscal Oversight: Ask the Right Questions

One of the most important responsibilities for local officials is overseeing their agencies’ finances. What can elected officials do to exercise careful fiscal stewardship over taxpayer resources?

New Resources to Help Involve Your Community

The institute releases materials for local agencies about involving the public in local budgeting, working with local clergy and congregations, and public engagement stories.