ProGov21 Policy Library

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2018

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Sustainable Development Code

Policy Areas Economic Justice, Food, Health, Public Spaces

Localities can promote farm stands by allowing them as by-right uses across zoning districts and streamlining permitting processes. This memo outlines how farm stand-friendly ordinances expand economic opportunities for small producers and increase the availability of fresh produce....

Community Gardens on Private Property as a By-Right or Permitted Use

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2018

Level City or Town, County

State(s) All States

Source Sustainable Development Code

Policy Areas Community Development, Democracy & Governance, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces

Local governments can facilitate community gardens by passing ordinances that classify them as permitted or by-right uses on private property. This memo explains how permitting community gardens on private land can promote healthy lifestyles, improve access to fresh produce, encourage...

The Excellent City Park System: What Makes it Great and How to Get There

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2013

Level City or Town, County

State(s) All States

Source The Trust for Public Land

Policy Areas Community Development, Economic Justice, Public Spaces

This report outlines best practices for effective park development and recommends that cities take inventory of their land assets, prioritize park safety and equity, and regularly engage with the public. It also highlights case studies that have implemented successful park development...

Minimum Width and Buffer Requirements for Sidewalks

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2018

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Sustainable Development Code

Policy Areas Community Development, Democracy & Governance, Economic Justice, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces, Transportation & Mobility

Local governments should update zoning codes to mandate sidewalk vegetation buffer zones that separate pedestrians from vehicles. This policy memo highlights how these buffers improve pedestrian mobility and safety, reduce stormwater management costs, increase access to public transportation,...

County of Sacramento Climate Action Plan

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2024

Level County

State(s) California

Source County of Sacramento

Policy Areas Community Development, Democracy & Governance, Economic Justice, Education, Energy, Environment & Natural Resources, Finance & Procurement, Public Safety

Cities must develop strategic planning frameworks to mitigate emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. This climate action plan outlines carbon emission inventories, mitigation approaches, and reduction targets for Sacramento County. It provides an overview of the...

Green Roofing

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2020

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Sustainable Development Code

Policy Areas Democracy & Governance, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces

Cities can use their zoning codes to mandate sustainable development practices like green roofing, which promotes heat absorption, increases stormwater filtration, and provides recreational opportunities. This policy brief outlines how municipalities have leveraged incentives like...

Demanding Better Energy Information: Cities address market failure for energy upgrades

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2012

Level City or Town, City or Town

State(s) Ohio

Source Policy Matters Ohio

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources, Economic Justice, Energy, Democracy & Governance

This report emphasizes the importance of providing better energy information to renters, buyers, owners, and operators of buildings. By arming them with this information, they can make more informed choices, differentiate between properties, and determine whether energy upgrades are...

2010 King County Ordinance 16927 Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2010

Level County

State(s) Washington

Source St. Paul City Council

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces, Energy

This ordinance requires developers of county capital improvement projects to submit a strategic energy-efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction plan that includes options for reducing emissions; improving energy efficiency; identifying financial incentives for achieving energy...

Complete Parks Playbook

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2018

Level City or Town, County

State(s) All States, Pennsylvania, Texas

Source ChangeLab Solutions

Policy Areas Education, Environment & Natural Resources, Health, Public Spaces

Parks enhance communities by promoting physical, mental, and social health. This guide outlines the 'complete parks approach', which helps local governments promote parks improvements by engaging communities who have historically been overlooked during parks planning discussions,...

Joint Use Agreements in Tucson Arizona

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2012

Level City or Town, County

State(s) Arizona

Source Kaboom.org

Policy Areas Children & Families, Community Development, Economic Justice, Health, Public Spaces

To address its deficiency in parks and public green spaces, the city of Tucson established joint use agreements with the unified school district which expanded community access to 12 elementary school yards. This brief outlines the costs and legal processes associated with the agreements...

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2014

Level City or Town

State(s) North Carolina

Source City of Raleigh

Policy Areas Economic Justice, Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

This report outlines total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all activities within city limits and includes a separate inventory of all emissions generated by local government operations to help develop effective GHG reduction strategies. It analyzes emissions from vehicles, municipal...

The Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Approach

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2023

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Environmental Protection Agency

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources, Finance & Procurement, Public Spaces

The Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Initiative provides support to communities in urbanized watersheds looking to reduce stormwater runoff using green infrastructure. This brief outlines how communities can incorporate green technology into roadway and utility upgrades....

2012 Pittsburgh Ordinance 2010-0909 Regulating Natural Gas Extraction

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2012

Level City or Town

State(s) Pennsylvania

Source City of Pittsburgh

Policy Areas Public Safety, Environment & Natural Resources, Health

This ordinance bans the commercial extraction of natural gas within the city and establishes a bill of rights which includes the rights of natural ecosystems, the right of self government for city residents, and the right to sustainably access natural water sources. It also removes...

Richmond Climate Action Plan

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2016

Level City or Town

State(s) California

Source City of Richmond

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources

The City of Richmond's comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) includes a variety of initiatives such as the Richmond Build program, which provides green job training and employment opportunities for local youth, and partnerships to install solar panels in lower-income neighborhoods....

US Cities and Climate Change: Status and Roadmap for the Future

Type Roadmap

Year 2021

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source IEEE Smart Cities

Policy Areas Community Development, Environment & Natural Resources

This article reviews best practices for strengthening city climate plans based on the regulatory environment, local priorities, and funding opportunities. It identifies the electric grid and power utilities as key enablers of climate change adaptation and mitigation, and explores...

High-Road Workforce Guide for City Climate Action

Type Roadmap

Year 2021

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Inclusive Economics

Policy Areas Economic Justice

Implementing climate policy has the potential to promote high-road workforce development (HRWD) that increase economic opportunity for low-income communities. At the same time, HRWD can facilitate the successful implementation of climate plans and broaden community support for climate...

Solar Power in Your Community

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2022

Level City or Town, County

State(s) All States

Source U.S. Department of Energy

Policy Areas Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

This report examines how local governments can promote solar energy development and usage. Recommended strategies include organizing local solar efforts, making solar infrastructure more affordable and accessible, developing workforce training programs, and facilitating the installment...

Gonzales Climate Action Plan 2018 Update

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2018

Level City or Town

State(s) California

Source City of Gonzales

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources

The City of Gonzales, California, developed its Climate Action Plan (CAP) to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability. It identifies emission reduction targets and strategies across various sectors, including energy use, transportation, land...

Greening Without Gentrification: Learning from Parks-Related Anti-Displacement Strategies Nationwide

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2019

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Policy Areas Community Development, Economic Justice, Housing, Public Spaces

When parks are built in historically marginalized areas they can contribute to 'green gentrification' as improved access to natural spaces increases property values and brings an influx of wealthier residents. This guide outlines policy strategies for greening marginalized communities...

Solar-Powering Your Community: A Guide for Local Governments

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2011

Level City or Town, County

State(s) All States

Source U.S. Department Of Energy

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources, Energy

This report serves as a resource for local governments and stakeholders in designing and implementing a local solar plan. The report includes examples and models that have been field-tested in cities and counties around the United States....

2018 New York City Ordinance 32 Requiring Energy Efficiency Requirement Improvements

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2018

Level City or Town

State(s) New York

Source City of New York

Policy Areas Democracy & Governance, Economic Justice, Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

This ordinance requires the city commissioner to regularly submit proposed amendments to the city's energy code to improve energy efficiency. The proposed amendments should bring the city's code up to date with recommendations from the New York State energy research and development...

2008 King County Ordinance 16147 Green Buildings

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2008

Level County

State(s) Washington

Source King County Council

Policy Areas Environment & Natural Resources, Energy

This ordinance requires that all capital projects enacted or funded by the county adhere to sustainable development and building practices. It establishes functional definitions of these projects and their core components and develops a clear and flexible justification for such policy....

Highlights of Adopted Amendments to Expand Housing Options

Type Ordinance or Resolution

Year 2023

Level City or Town, County, State

State(s) Virginia

Source Arlington County

Policy Areas Democracy & Governance, Economic Justice, Housing

This guide outlines important considerations for zoning and land use policies that expand housing options and improve affordability. It finds these policies allow for multiplex development in previously single-use restricted zones, preserve maximum lot coverage and set back standards...

Integrating Valuation Methods to Recognize Green Infrastructure's Multiple Benefits

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2010

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source Center for Neighborhood Technology

Policy Areas Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

This report outlines the environmental and economic benefits associated with different types of green infrastructure, including urban forests, permeable pavement, water harvesting technology, green roofs, and infiltration practices like rain gardens, bioswales, and constructed wetlands....

The Power of Parks to Address Climate Change

Type Policy Brief or Report

Year 2022

Level City or Town

State(s) All States

Source The Trust for Public Land

Policy Areas Economic Justice, Environment & Natural Resources, Public Spaces

Parks and green spaces reduce air temperatures and absorb floodwater, making them vital resources in mitigating the effects of climate change. This report outlines how cities are supporting park services and promoting natural spaces to lower urban temperatures, manage stormwater,...

ProGov21 Policy Library

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