City of Baytown takes control
Baytown’s smart investment in concrete pays off Submitted by Cemen Tech By taking concrete production into its own hands, the city of Baytown, Texas, found an innovative way to improve infrastructure, increase productivity and achieve a full return on investment … More from our cover sponsor →
Cities explore remote work post-COVID
During the height of COVID-19, many of us learned we could continue working from our homes — even late-night TV hosts — with today’s technology. Zoom calls and meetings with the constant reminder “you’re on mute” became daily or weekly … Continue reading →
Graduate school comes for municipal managers in Laredo
Tomorrow’s public managers depend on the investments made in their professional development today. That’s the premise behind a partnership between the city of Laredo, Texas, and the Texas A&M International University Master of Public Administration Program that has resulted in … Continue reading →
The 45th parallel: Birthplace of the tourism industry in Michigan
Several municipalities along the northern half of the lower peninsula of Michigan are linked by a fortuity lying along or near a global landmark no one has ever seen in person. The 45th parallel, which marks the longitudinal line halfway … Continue reading →
Five case studies in effective salt storage facilities
Five public works departments share their insight into working with fabric building expert Greystone Construction in the design and construction of safe, efficient and cost-effective salt storage facilities. “Across the USA, we are trusted by municipalities, DOTs, and private firms … Continue reading →
Kingman promotes play and quality of life with park updates
In Kingman, Ariz., there are 14 parks, two aquatic facilities, a splash pad and an 18-hole golf course. There are multiple ramadas, or public shade structures, and picnic areas with mountain views. Centennial Park has a 0.9-mile natural surface walking … Continue reading →
Milton, Georgia showcases employees who make a difference
Citizens deserve a government that constantly looks to improve their lives, and when municipal employees have a passion for public service and a commitment to the community, they shouldn’t be taken for granted. That is why the city of Milton, … Continue reading →
Dighton, Mass., police and fire connect through fiber
We all know technology makes us more efficient — when it works right, that is; otherwise, it can frustrate. That frustration is what the fire department of the town of Dighton, Mass., has been experiencing, but it is looking forward … Continue reading →
History on the move in Mason City, Iowa
Conde Nast Traveler twice named Mason City, Iowa, to its list of “World’s Best Cities for Architecture.” The Midwestern metropolis keeps prestigious company, with Paris, Dubai, Istanbul and Miami making the same list. Why was Mason City included? Frank Lloyd … Continue reading →
Tool rental program earns Round Rock award for City Spirit
One program that has set Round Rock, Texas, apart is the fact that it is home to the first mobile tool renting center in Texas. During neighborhood cleanup activities, volunteers can come and borrow a tool at no charge to … Continue reading →
Providence partners to create immigration-focused program
Immigration has been a hot-button topic for quite some time, and it doesn’t look like that will end soon. What can be done? To begin with, we need to educate ourselves as to the possibilities for anyone who is trying … Continue reading →
‘Christmas with a First Responder’ program creates merry memories
When the Pikeville, Ky., police department began its Shop with a Cop program 16 years ago, the goal was to provide a little Christmas cheer for a handful of kids in need. “When we started, we held a car … Continue reading →
The Municipal Top 10: Best-run cities in America
The larger the city, the more complex it becomes to manage. Well-run cities aren’t just the product of efficient budgeting, safe streets or even abundant resources; it’s also about representing the residents and balancing their diverse interests. Not everyone’s needs … Continue reading →
On the road again: New Orleans’ Cemeteries
“Six feet under” has a couple of significant meanings for New Orleans, La. More than half the city, much of which was developed on reclaimed swampland, lies several feet below sea level and is sinking at the rate of almost … Continue reading →
Cities and towns plan for the future
Whether you call it a growth plan, master plan, opportunity plan or comprehensive plan, most cities and towns see the need to have such a plan and to update it regularly. And as Matt Kostelnik, with the Lake of the … Continue reading →
Eliminate unnecessary work truck idling with ‘Power on Demand’
Go green! That’s the wide-reaching mandate handed down by your city council. But when it comes to reducing carbon emissions, there’s an area that maintenance, utilities, parks and street departments are probably not even looking at — the up to … Continue reading →
On the road again: Mount Desert Island, Maine
Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island, Maine, where at 1,528 feet above sea level, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, early risers can greet “the dawn’s earliest light” to reach the United States. Mount Desert (pronounced by locals … Continue reading →
Surging gas prices cause fleet managers to get creative
They say that what goes up must come down. Although oil prices have fallen since the summer surge, communities are constantly looking for ways to fuel their fleets without breaking the budget. After all, petroleum prices not only impact the … Continue reading →
Madison takes firefighter recruitment online
The city of Madison, Wis.’s, fire department is forging a new path as it attempts to recruit trainees for this round of recruitment. In a traditional open house setting, folks are invited to the firehouse to speak in person with … Continue reading →
