Business View Magazine | January 2020

261 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE JANUARY 2020 THE C I TY OF NORCO, CAL I FORNI A the services we provide to our residents on a long-term basis – both public safety and infrastructure.” Okoro adds that the City is also constantly looking at ways to promulgate sustainable initiatives, one of which is decidedly particular to Horsetown USA. “About five years ago, we completed a study on how to convert our horse manure to electricity,” he recounts. “It’s been said that Norco has more horses than people. That means a lot of horse manure is generated, so the City has been looking at how to leverage our excess resources to generate electricity.” The City partnered with Waste Management, one of the largest refuse disposal companies in the United States, to study the concept. Although the project was determined to be feasible, Okoro explains that high costs and California’s stringent environmental requirements forced it to be temporarily shelved. However, the City continues to meet with Waste Management every year to review improvements in technology that would make that project viable. “Ultimately, this is a project we can conduct to encourage green energy development,” he states. Citing other green initiatives, Okoro remarks, “We recently received a grant to plant over 1,200 trees in the City to address climate issues and make the City’s neighborhoods even more desirable.” Sustainability is an increasingly important concept for Norco leaders. “We’re also looking at projects that will build several charging stations here, because electric vehicles are increasingly prevalent in California and we want to accommodate changing trends in Norco.” SilverLakes currently offers multiple electric vehicle charging receptacles and the City of Norco is working toward making access for motorists even easier. Summing up the appeal of the City, Okoro maintains, “The Norco community is very passionate about the lifestyle that its founders valued. It’s a very safe place to live and its