In 2011, when The Papers Inc., a publishing company headquartered in Milford, Ind., took over ownership of a young publication aimed at municipalities, we knew we had something relevant to say to those responsible for keeping cities safe, purchasing municipal equipment and managing a city department on a tight and probably diminishing budget.

Two years later, it looks like those conversations are not only ongoing but widening in scope. With this edition, we welcome eight southern states into our coverage and circulation area: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. The Municipal is now direct-mailed to 50,000 mayors, street superintendents, park directors, utility department supervisors, water department directors, and fire and police chiefs in a total of 22 states both east and west of the Mississippi River.

Our special coverage topic for the month of August is public works, which is a pretty interesting arena of municipal responsibility from a lay person’s point of view. Reverse the flow of a river? Dig a new stormwater system underneath the second most impressive skyline in the U.S.? Shore up surface soil during a sinkhole outbreak? These and more are the small and large challenges PW professionals have successfully attacked, and the kind of projects they continue to confront every morning when they walk into the office.

Of course, our thoughts and prayers are also with the many family members, friends and brother/sister firefighters of the Granite Mountain Hotshots right now. This tragedy of unparalleled proportions is what we’re always aware could happen in public service, but that we pray never does. Days like June 30th are the hardest in this business.

Because the offices of The Municipal magazine are located within a couple hours’ drive to Chicago, I’m excited about the American Public Works Association’s upcoming congress and exposition there. That’s where two of these marvels of engineering and construction have taken place. But we’re also very much looking forward to “digging in” to the details of how southern states deal with unique situations like sinkholes, hurricane fallout and humid-climate asphalt curing. We’re happy to be here and anxious to put you in touch with the information, processes and people who can address your needs or who will appreciate hearing your expertise.

In addition to our print publication, you can check out The Municipal at www.themunicipal.com. We welcome your suggestions, comments and input, and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for welcoming us as well.

Jodi Magallanes
Editor