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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Though the time for “spring” cleaning is long past, there are still debris-littered hedgerows and various items of refuse and trash in municipalities that periodically will need to be cleaned up. Two cities featured here have taken the lead and … Continue reading →
There is a mountain of misinformation circulating about fifth-generation wireless technology, or 5G. You may have heard the scary things people pick up on the internet. Some of that surfaced in The Municipal‘s December 2018 guest column, “What municipal managers … Continue reading →
If there wasn’t enough to do already as a municipal manager, the list just got longer. There is one issue quickly jumping to the top: improving communications and public relations with the community you serve. You can talk all day … Continue reading →
Last month, Warrenton, N.C., celebrated the first anniversary of its municipal park — the first one built in the small town with a population of about 850. This summer, the Hayley-Haywood Park bustles with warm-weather activities and happy “school’s out!” … Continue reading →
As social media continues to be more prevalent in society, municipalities are finding new ways to utilize it to engage with the public. Most people are familiar with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but Next Door is a social media … Continue reading →
In becoming environmentally aware, cities are taking steps in every department to minimize the negative impact they can make on the planet. Moscow, Idaho, in particular, has uniquely supportive government when it comes to taking risks with new things that … Continue reading →
