About the BOOST Program

All Californians deserve to live in communities where they can have access to clean air and water, clean transportation, affordable housing and economic opportunity. Yet many communities across the state lack the staff capacity and resources to develop projects and secure funding to make this a reality for their residents. To help address this need, we have partnered with the California Strategic Growth Council (SCG) on the BOOST Program to help local governments across the state build capacity to address those needs.

California has received worldwide attention for the state’s ambitious efforts to address climate change. California’s 482 cities and 58 counties are proud of what they have accomplished to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are poised to do more in the years ahead. Despite limited resources, cities and counties across the state have found cost efficient, innovative solutions that reflect the unique characteristics of their communities.

Meetings are central to democratic decision-making. Leaders can increase the effectiveness of public meetings with thoughtful advance planning and by taking a few simple steps. The Institute’s Meeting Resource Center aims to help local officials and agency staff in these efforts by providing practical tools and useful materials.

One of the most important responsibilities city and county officials have is guiding the physical growth of their communities through local planning. Planning covers a broad range of activities including determining how land will be used, how to provide infrastructure and services to those uses, and what the built environment will look like. Local agencies are given land use planning authority or police power to shape their communities in both the federal and California constitutions.

ILG helps public sector employers develop solutions to workforce challenges, and works with local governments to make hiring and retention strategies more inclusive and equitable.

Our efforts include deep engagement with local governments statewide around non-traditional registered apprenticeships, conducting needs assessments and gathering best practices, leading and sharing curriculum for civics education—including for youth and immigrant communities—and more.