California has a baffling maze of localgovernments -- 58 counties, 473 cities, 1,000 school districts and 4,800 special districts.
According to California House Speaker Robert Hertzberg, "The winners in the New Economy," he says, "willbe the regions that learn to work together to relieve trafficcongestion, build affordable housing, preserve open space and promoteeconomic development." Columnist Neal Peirce describes the challenge and promise of the California Speaker's Commission on Regions,and raises the stakes: "It's a tall order. But if California can make astrong start, it could create a model for the other 49 states."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: GOVERNMENT MISMISH TO REGIONAL VISION: CALIFORNIA COMMISSION SEEKS A FORMULA
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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