Public Programs and Services
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Background Agencies often host multicultural events to celebrate different cultures in their communities through art, music, dance and cuisine. Examples of cultural events include festivals, carnivals, cultural performances, Heritage Days, workshops and seminars. These events not only foster a sense of community but can also help boost the local economy by supporting local businesses and stimulating tourism. Legal Requirements and Considerations State Program The California Cultural Districts program, established in 2015 through Assembly Bill 189, aims to highlight California's diversity by bringing visibility to local artists and encouraging community…
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Background Public art plays an important role in supporting agencies’ efforts to improve overall quality of life and expand opportunities for community engagement. Public art showcases the unique diversity of communities and builds a dynamic, exciting and engaging place to live, visit and do business. Many agencies establish public art programs to manage and continually update the artistic talent shared within their community. Implementation Considerations Each public art program differs by jurisdiction. The following case studies of the City of Walnut Creek and the City of Palo Alto shed light on the basics of establishing and running a program. Esta…
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Background Beautification efforts enhance the visual appeal of a community through the cleanliness of streets and neighborhoods, availability of public green spaces and overall look and feel of architecture. Many agencies believe that beautification plays a significant role in their jurisdiction’s success. Beautiful cities and counties attract businesses, tourists and investment. People who visit a visually appealing area are more likely to stay longer, spend more money and return in the future, increasing an agency’s economic opportunities. Many agencies have implemented beautification efforts through community cleanups, landscaping improvements, building revi…
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Background Downtown banner programs can be an effective way to communicate important messages to the public, market events and programs, create a vibrant and welcoming downtown atmosphere and generate revenue. Banner programs can also be an effective method for an agency to connect with its constituents and promote local artists. Street banner programs are typically accompanied by a banner policy which ensures that the program aligns with an agency’s mission and doesn’t impede pedestrian and vehicular transportation. If your agency is looking to implement a street banner program, you can refer to the examples and guidelines below. Developing a Street Banne…
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Background Crossing guards can have a positive impact on community safety and play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to school. According to a study published in BMC Public Health, the absence of crossing guards can deter children from walking or biking to school. Crossing guards can help control traffic at designated intersections, assist children when crossing the street and track and report the license plate numbers of unsafe drivers. Every year, an average of 67,124 child pedestrians are injured with 704 resulting in fatalities. Many agencies use external services to provide properly trained crossing guards. If your agency is lo…
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Background Many agencies have started Veteran Recognition Programs to honor their communities’ current and/or former military personnel. These programs aim to recognize individuals for their service while connecting veterans to one another and key resources available. While there is no standard design for these programs, most agencies offer at least one of the following types of recognition: Individual recognition which can include but is not limited to: Mini personal banners or flags for display outside their home (often with the agency’s branding) Public meetings (such as Council meetings) where recognition is consistently on the age…
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Background Many public agencies consider graffiti a nuisance and have codes in place to remove it. Graffiti can diminish the appearance, use and enjoyment of properties in the area. Agencies typically address graffiti abatement with an internal team of staff members or contracting for graffiti abatement services. Graffiti abatement service providers have expertise, supplies and labor that many agencies do not have or need. Many agencies find that the cost of hiring a professional outweighs the consequences of leaving graffiti unaddressed or being slow to react. Legal Requirements California Government Code Section 53069.3 – This law authorizes agencies to use age…
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Background Traffic control is the regulation and management of vehicular and pedestrian movement on streets and highways. The primary goal of traffic control is to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic, prevent accidents and protect both motorists and pedestrians. Traffic control involves various measures and devices including traffic signs, traffic lights, road markings, traffic barriers and cones. These physical barriers and cones are used to guide traffic, create temporary lanes or block off certain areas during construction or road maintenance. Trained personnel may be employed to direct traffic manually at intersections or in situations where additional …
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Background Traffic calming programs help minimize the negative impacts of neighborhood traffic, including speeding, cut-through traffic and reckless driver behavior. Traffic calming programs may include speed humps, traffic circles, raised intersections and vehicle diverters to address resident concerns. Speed humps are traffic calming devices used for low speed roads, where speed limits do not exceed 25 miles per hour. Speed humps are different from speed bumps, which are used for non-public streets and are commonly used in shopping centers and private properties. Speed humps increase public safety and improve traffic flow throughout residential areas. Studies in…
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Background Now more than ever, it is important for agencies to maintain a thriving urban forest. The trees throughout our communities add incredible value to jurisdictions by enhancing air quality and casting much-needed shade on homes, business districts, sidewalks and park areas. An urban forest both beautifies and purifies a community, making trees a necessary part of an agency’s growth and development. However, the trees lining streets can present serious risks to resident safety. Neglected trees, whether they be diseased, infested or uprooted from weather, can fall without warning, especially when triggered by harsh wind and rain, and can endanger communit…
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City Academy
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Background The City Academy concept has gained popularity throughout California as a means of enhancing civic education, promoting transparency and collaboration with city officials and encouraging active citizen participation in local governance. Sometimes referred to as Citizen Academies, these programs typically involve multiple sessions that include presentations, activities and tours led by different department heads. Participants gain an understanding of each department’s critical roles and functions and how they interact to form a strong and effective government. City Academies can help equip residents to participate in committees and advisory boards and be am…
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Background California agencies have a long history of environmental activism and sustainability. Over the last few years, numerous local governments have created Climate Action Plans (CAP) or implemented programs that aim to mitigate climate change. While agencies are encouraged to follow statewide CAPs, your agency has flexibility in implementing climate action programs tailored to local and regional needs. A pivotal tool is the California Climate Action Portal Map (CAP-Map), an open data tool that shows local government CAPs, including greenhouse gas inventory information and reduction targets. Legal Requirements California requires local governments t…
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Background As technology advances and communities grow larger, agencies have opted to leverage technology to centralize their public communication channels. Community request software systems are a tool used to streamline service requests and answer questions from residents. Local jurisdictions may choose to implement a software system to improve accessibility, enhance overall communication with residents and promote citywide improvements. Software systems also offer security, flexibility and ease of use for staff and community members. The system allows agencies to track what types of requests are being received, response times and efficacy, allowing for effi…
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Background In 2023, numerous cities replaced their Fourth of July fireworks shows with drone light shows. From Grand Park and Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles County to La Jolla and Ocean Beach in San Diego County, cities are transitioning to this safer alternative. A group of Sweden researchers from public university ETH Zurich came up with the idea of using drone light shows. In 2012, the group developed a system in which drones could be programmed to arrange and fly in certain formations. Operators can arrange illuminated and synchronized groups of drones into different aerial formations for drone light shows. Computer programs control the drones, rearrangin…
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Background Cities with diverse populations benefit from sharing crucial information and updates in multiple languages. From written content to live interpretations for public meetings, bilingual options can help ensure language barriers do not impact the flow of effective communication with residents. While translation work can be completed in-house, public agencies can also enlist the help of third party companies to guarantee their message is accessible to all sectors of the community. Legal Requirements In accordance with the California Civil Rights Act and the Bilingual Services Act, local agencies must provide language access services when they serve …
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Background Various cities and counties across California have implemented Buy Local initiatives to encourage residents to buy food, products and services from local vendors and providers. These campaigns help raise awareness about the economic, environmental and community benefits of prioritizing local investments. Buy Local campaigns range from agency-focused programs to statewide initiatives. When consumers buy local, it stays local. Creating a local initiative within your city will help stimulate the local economy and strengthen the overall community. Legal Considerations Any jurisdiction could implement a Buy Local program as long as all events and…
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