Over the years, the state of California has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of clean energy initiatives, recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key player in the sustainable energy landscape. Now, as the ARCHES project has emerged as a cornerstone of California's hydrogen strategy, underwritten by up to $1.2 billion in federal funding, California aims to accelerate the development of its hydrogen hubs, creating a robust ecosystem that aligns with its vision for a sustainable energy market. In a presentation during a Japan-California hydrogen webinar, GO-Biz’ Tyson Eckerle outlines how the state aims to establish a statewide hydrogen market by 2030. Eckerle highlights reduced emissions, substantial health cost savings, and the creation of over 220,000 jobs.

As cities grapple with the challenges of urbanization, transportation remains a central concern in fostering sustainable, vibrant communities. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the recent passage of Healthy Streets LA (HLA) with two key figures at the forefront of this transformative initiative: Michael Schneider and Yuval Bar-Zemer. In this exclusive interview with TPR, Schneider, a driving force behind the HLA campaign, offers insights into the significance of this ordinance and its far-reaching implications for urban mobility, while Yuval Bar-Zemer, renowned for his extensive involvement in the Arts District and community initiatives, shares his perspective on the campaign and its potential impact on Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods.

After a three-decade career in municipal management, Rick Cole is reclaiming his old seat on the Pasadena City Council, representing District 2. In the March primary, he defeated incumbent Felicia Williams by a 60% margin, the first challenger to unseat a sitting member of the Council since 1987. Decrying what he called the “complacency” of Pasadena City Hall, Cole ran on bringing a “sense of urgency” to the issues of homelessness, climate change, housing affordability, city planning, public education and a changing economy. He takes office in December and reflects here on his aspirations to “move the needle” and “make Pasadena a leader again.”

With numerous bills, executive orders, and local measures all stirring the pot of how, when, and where housing in the State of California should happen -amongst those Mayor Bass’ own Executive Directive 1- the answer of just how successful the legislative efforts have been continues to be elusive, especially with similar attempts in Vancouver, Chicago, and Syndey having appeared to miss the mark. TPR, to inform the debate, spoke with David Waite, partner and real estate guru at Cox Castle, about how the many legislative efforts are aiming to change how housing in California is done. In the interview, Waite talks about ED1, California’s supply-demand paradox, and UCLA’s exciting acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.

Over the past decade, the San Fernando Valley has witnessed a transformative period marked by significant economic development, cultural revitalization, and community-driven initiatives. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has played a pivotal role in steering the region's trajectory, leveraging funds from former CRA resources to kickstart the Reseda Rising Initiative, channeling over $100 million into Reseda. In this interview with TPR, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield provides a comprehensive overview of his impactful initiatives, developing community hubs, and his approach to revitalizing Ventura Boulevard and the Warner Center. Blumenfield further explores housing challenges, his strategies for effective communication with constituents and concern over diminishing media coverage of public interest stories in Los Angeles county.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced worldwide shutdowns in tourism, retail, dining, and public events, few cities took it harder than Santa Monica, a city which had long utilized its massive dining, retail, and hotel tax revenues to superfund their city budget. Post-pandemic, the city continues to be challenged by COVID related revenue losses, homelessness, crime, as well as pricey court rulings. TPR, in this exclusive interview, spoke with Santa Monica City Manager David White on how the city is successfully recovering from its difficult position and why he maintains a positive outlook on Santa Monica’s future. In the interview, White talks about reviving the 3rd Street Promenade, civic engagement, their novel approaches to homelessness and crime, as well as projects like the Civic Auditorium and the potential Santa Monica Airport park.

Homelessness increased by more than 12% in 2023, reaching 653,104 people according to @USHUD —the sharpest increase and biggest population of homeless people in the US since the government began keeping these records. Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, Los Angeles’ Mayor Bass announced a lofty goal of ending street homeless in Los Angeles by 2026. TPR presents an excerpt from that program and the appearance of Mayor Bass who ,when asked by Tapper what she hopes to accomplish by the end of her elected term, doubled down on what was one of, if not her biggest, campaign promise — making a massive dent in the homeless crisis.