What’s eating away at your vehicle
De-icing chemicals: A growing threat Motor vehicles face a constant battle against the elements, with one of the most insidious threats being corrosion. In colder climates where snow and ice are prevalent, it’s not uncommon to see traditional road salt … More from our cover sponsor →
Being smart with tax dollars
By Dee Warren, Land Pride Marketing Manager Spending tax dollars wisely is a chore that every government agency tackles. In recent years, the mantra of taxpayers has been to demand that their dollars are spent efficiently and wisely. According to … Continue reading →
‘Softer’ approach to reduce chloride in natural water resources
Minnesota is notorious for having “hard water,” meaning water with high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water sources with these minerals present can lead to what most people think of when they hear the term: spotty residue on dishes, dry … Continue reading →
Tour de Solar, combining bicycles and solar energy to connect neighbors
In May, Fairfax, Va., hosted its first Tour de Solar in May as a part of its National Bike Month celebration. The event highlighted a series of homes throughout the city that are utilizing solar energy. All residents were invited … Continue reading →
Dodge City transforms waste into renewable energy
Dodge City, Kan., may be small, but it has a mighty renewable energy program that rivals those in larger cities. This former frontier town’s population sits at 27,700, with most of its economic base rooted in the two beef … Continue reading →
Northampton explores CCA opportunities
For the past few years, Northampton, Mass., has explored community choice aggregation with the desire to use any energy savings from such an approach to fund clean energy projects. This will allow the town of about 30,000 people to band … Continue reading →
Among 120 submissions, Manhattan, Kan., finds its flag
Affectionately dubbed the “Little Apple” over the years by its residents, the city of Manhattan, Kan., may not be on everyone’s radar. Vivienne Uccello, the city’s public information officer, explained that it is often confused with the well-known Manhattan, as … Continue reading →
Farmington, N.M., ‘jolts’ its untapped natural resources
It’s not often a town of 45,000 gets a social media shout out from Hollywood stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jack Black. It’s also not often a town of 45,000 people is involved in the filming of a … Continue reading →
Emergency preparedness fair keeps Cupertino community up to date on emergency operations
Prepare Cupertino was a free community preparedness fair held Saturday, June 22, in Cupertino, Calif. Clare Francavilla, emergency services coordinator, explained, “This fair was a way to inform Cupertino’s community members about the importance of getting prepared for an emergency … Continue reading →
Have treats, will travel
Ronald Glenn, public information officer of the Greensboro, N.C., Police Department, always experiences a thrill of happiness when he sees the reactions of the public when a comrade — Police Officer Porter — enters a room and happily interacts with … Continue reading →
Get out: Managing evacuations in the event of an emergency
When disaster strikes, or is on the way, communities have a small window of opportunity to notify the public of impending peril and encourage them to “get out of Dodge” before it’s too late. In order to provide … Continue reading →
Help Part I: Handling resources during recovery
When disaster hits a community and an SOS call goes out, generally the problem is not a lack of response but rather an overwhelming response of volunteers and donations. For mayors and other city officials trying to put their communities … Continue reading →
Cog Railway Bretton Woods, N.H.
It is the rare and special dreamer who can scan the choppy waters of a mile-long strait in San Francisco and say, “We can build a bridge over that.” Or to peer at a mountain range and envision an asphalt … Continue reading →
Texas applies lessons from Harvey toward recovery and flood mitigation planning
In August 2017 a catastrophic Hurricane Harvey left his calling card with the good people of Houston and southeast Texas who hadn’t invited him in the first place. The Category 4 high winds — 130 mph — and a … Continue reading →
Weathering life’s disasters
We always like to think disasters won’t happen to us, but they can and do. Local to me — but still distant enough to dull concern — the weather has been a bit more exciting this spring. A confirmed tornado … Continue reading →
Leveraging your parking and curb assets
As recently as several years ago, managing the curb meant ensuring parking rules were followed, bus stops were clear for your mass transit system and delivery trucks were in the proper loading and unloading zone. A municipal agency only had … Continue reading →
Procurement sits in driver seat for sustainability
Sustainable procurement or “green purchasing” is an initiative that is often driven — and achieved — through municipal purchasing decisions. From buying products made of recycled materials or weighing the energy efficiency of an appliance, to contracting firms with socially … Continue reading →
El Paso works to construct innovative facility to conserve water
The city of El Paso, Texas, will soon be repurposing treated wastewater to usable drinking water through a process called advanced purification. The project is designed in an effort to conserve precious water resources in the desert environment, as well … Continue reading →
Kidding around: Pembroke Pines recognizes importance of its youngest citizens
When it comes to showcasing and promoting the interests of its youngest citizens, the city of Pembroke Pines, Fla., doesn’t “kid” around. Not only does the mayor’s office host an annual all-day party to celebrate this special constituency, but the … Continue reading →
