Oakland, California

"There are many good books focused on the theme of sustainability and cities. However, very few books examine how the three sectors of organizational life in a city -- the private, government, and non-profit -- work toward sustainability in one particular city. Oakland, California: Toward a Sustainable City identifies some of the best projects, practices, and people who are contributing to the present and future sustainability of Oakland. Although the focus of the book might seem local -- Oakland, California -- the projects and practices are ones that can be replicable in any city. The book is unique also in identifying how religious organizations, that responded slowly to environmental issues, are very much involved in the sustainability of a city. Finally, the book identifies practices in schools that can help young people develop the good character to improve the quality of life in a city." Some of the chapters in the book discuss green design, green business, and green building; sprawl versus the compact city; the automobile-dependent versus the pedestrian-centered city; affordable housing and homelessness; rebuilding community; and utility bicycling.