Local Governments Urge U.S. Supreme Court Not To Ignore “Givings” When Considering Unconstitutional “Takings”
On January 9, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, a case with major implications for local governments’ ability to recoup the costs of providing necessary infrastructure to private development projects. This article discusses a new perspective on why the Court’s ruling should not place stricter requirements on the adoption of development impact fees.
Community Land Trusts: A Valuable Tool in Promoting Affordable Housing
Under California law, cities are required to identify opportunities to develop sufficient housing to meet the needs of residents of all income levels. However, many municipalities struggle to produce enough affordable housing. This article explores the role community land trusts can play in building and managing affordable housing.
Mitigating Vehicle Miles Traveled
In 2020, the methodology under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for evaluating transportation-related impacts changed from level of service (LOS) to vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This change has necessitated new strategies for mitigating those impacts. This article outlines several approaches lead agencies may consider to mitigate a project’s significant VMT-related impacts.
Building Decarbonization Update: Local Governments in California Consider Strategies to Reduce Natural Gas Use in Buildings
Following up on the October 2019 and February 2020 editions of In the Public Interest, this article provides an update regarding strategies proposed by several cities and counties to encourage or require existing buildings to go all-electric.
October 2023 Update Re: Local Governments on High Alert as New Statewide Ballot Measure Seeks to Restrict State and Local Revenue
A statewide initiative seeking to further restrict the ability of state and local governments to raise public funds through fees and taxes is ready to appear on the November 2024 ballot. Given the potential dire consequences of this measure, many local governments are taking actions now to address it.
Mid-Cycle 2022 CALGreen Building Code Update Re: Changes Coming in 2023 to State Energy Code and Green Building Standards
California Building Standards Commission adopts updates to electric vehicle charging requirements for new multifamily buildings Since we first wrote about the latest Energy Code and energy-related CALGreen updates that went into effect statewide in January 2023, some additional important updates have been made to CALGreen. Following this regular triannual update, the California Building Standards Commission […]
Navigating Bid Protests: Essential Tips for California Government Agencies
Introduction Procurement processes are essential to the proper administration of government agencies, ensuring they acquire goods and services efficiently and cost-effectively. This article explores essential tips for California government agencies dealing with bid protests in competitively bid public works projects, offering guidance on how to navigate the intricacies of the process. Power to Contract Competitive […]
Putting the Action Back in CAPs: Best Practices for Updating Climate Action Plans to Align With Statewide Climate Goals
Climate Action Plans are critical to addressing climate change, but many are overdue for an update. With new comprehensive guidance from the California Air Resources Board, there’s no time like the present.
City of Half Moon Bay Launches Civilian-Response Model for Mental Health Emergencies
Public agencies across the nation have spent the last few years re-examining policing and public safety models. SMW client City of Half Moon Bay is prioritizing improving mental health services as a key feature of its policing reform efforts. The city’s mobile mental health response program, Crisis Assistance Response and Evaluation Services (CARES), provides an alternative response to mental health-related 911 calls traditionally answered by law enforcement. The CARES team also played a supportive role following a January 23 mass shooting event.
Based on Recently Passed SB 54, Local Governments May Consider Banning Certain Single-Use Foodware Items Before Year’s End
The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act may encourage local governments to ban certain single-use packaging and plastic food service ware materials before January 2024 to avoid its collection requirement.