Local Government Commission

Organization Description

The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to improving the health, sustainability and livability of communities nation-wide.  Its membership is comprised of local elected officials of partner communities, city planners, and invested community leaders, and as such draws on a wealth of networks and experience. 

To improve the livability of communities, LGC focuses on improving planning processes, community prosperity, overall community engagement and involvement in planning, and resource efficiency, using a variety of methods.  Most commonly used methods include design charrettes, Community Image Surveys, study sessions for local officials, staff training and presentations.  LGC also offers conference planning services for conferences on topics such as housing, zoning for smart growth, street design and air quality, transit-oriented development, and renewable energy generation.

LGC created the Center for Livable Communities, a national initiative that focuses specifically on communities’ land use and transportation planning.  The Center works with top planners and architects across the country to pro-actively develop principles, resources, and policies on resource-efficient local growth and development.  The Center’s guidance rests strongly on the Ahwahnee Principles and their recent derivatives—on Economic Development, Water and Resource Efficient Land Use, and Climate Change.  These principles were developed by LGC to reflect its main issues of focus and include implementation principles and strategies. 

Another unique creation of the LGC is the Energy Information Clearinghouse, a publishing house that produces a California-focused newsletter providing community leaders with information on the latest energy-related trends and techniques, conferences, and other resources.