Built to Last: 25 Years of Fabric Building Services
“Over the past 25 years, the Fabric Building Division at Greystone Construction has earned the trust of hundreds of cities, counties, municipalities, DOTs (departments of transportation) and private firms, and has covered over 2,000,000 square feet of salt piles with … More from our cover sponsor →
Is your garage ready for gaseous fuels?
More municipalities are exploring alternative fuels. As they do so, infrastructure becomes an important component. Are shops and technicians ready to handle the inclusion of alternative fuels, particularly gaseous fuels, into the fleet? According to Bill Davis, director of the … Continue reading →
Pedestrian bridge hitches an Indiana city to Louisville’s wagon
Jeffersonville, Ind., a city of approximately 45,000, is experiencing a downtown resurgence. That new life has come in part due to a recently completed, $22 million project known as the Big Four Bridge — a former railroad truss bridge that … Continue reading →
Monitoring and detecting snowplow driver fatigue
What weighs 29 tons, moves at 40 miles per hour and carries a 12-foot blade in front of it? It’s not a figment of a science fiction, but rather a commonplace sight in most northern states. The answer, of course, … Continue reading →
New view for an Iowa town
Madrid, Iowa, is located just to the west of a direct line connecting Ames and Des Moines. The population is about 2,360, according to the 2009 U.S. Census estimate: large enough to support many local conveniences, such as gas stations, … Continue reading →
2014: The year of coming back
Some of the most difficult issues faced by small- and mid-sized cities and towns seem to revolve around pension reform, tax caps and decreased federal funding for infrastructure. Even given these situations, however, municipalities accomplished a great deal in 2014. … Continue reading →
Resource recovery parks
The bad news is, Americans generate trash. Lots of it. Now, the good news: An increasing number of municipalities are finding ways to turn that refuse into fuel, reusable material and revenue. The problem Amid the convenience of disposability and … Continue reading →
Social impact bonds
Governments are well-intentioned when it comes to social programs, but oftentimes they focus on the amount rather than the quality of services provided. Funding for prevention is especially susceptible to cuts, making it difficult to consistently fund the programs, let … Continue reading →
New Product Trends
2015 budgets have been approved, and more than likely they include allocations for at least a few pieces of new equipment. Before submitting a specific item for purchase approval, though, take a look at what manufacturers say will be the … Continue reading →
Now, dare to plan
I don’t know if it’s coincidence, or if the fact that we’re now a couple of years beyond the recession is bringing to bear fruit: But stories of success and accomplishment in local government are cropping up all over lately. … Continue reading →
Benefit from an auction partner Sell your vehicles, save your resources
In the best-run municipal departments across the country, every minute and dollar go where they can make the biggest impact. Achieving that can be difficult in the face of challenging tasks, including the disposal of vehicles that have outlived their … Continue reading →
Evaluating your IT department
MICHAEL CANNON | Guest columnist Chief information officer, International City/County Management Association Information technology is an essential part of any local government. From your website to GIS to financial accounting and public works, etc., nearly every aspect of your operations … Continue reading →
Honoring veterans: not just for November
Proclamations, prayers and parades: Veterans Day observances rely on all three to demonstrate respect and appreciation for citizens who responded to the call of duty. The biggest and longest-running celebration of the sacrifices of veterans probably happens in Newton, N.C.; … Continue reading →
Out of the office Iowa Mayor Adam Schweers talks about life in public service
If you want to talk to the mayor of Carroll, Iowa, on a random weekday, don’t call city hall. He won’t be there. If he’s not out in the community or traveling on official business, Adam Schweers, 35, can usually … Continue reading →
Top Ten Main Streets
This summer Parade magazine asked its readers to nominate the best Main Streets and share what makes them special.
Continue reading →The Municipal at WEFTEC 2014
“The Water Quality Event” of the year, the 87th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference, came together Sept. 27–Oct. 1 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, La. The theme of embracing change was made evident … Continue reading →
NRPA brings the fun to Charlotte
The annual conference of park and recreation professionals, the National Recreation and Parks Association Congress 2014, drew hundreds to the Charlotte Convention Center Oct. 14–16. In the very interactive exhibit hall, attendees could participate in an “EXPOdition” scavenger hunt. Also … Continue reading →
Overlooked assets boost tourism
Even in the recent difficult economic times the United States has faced, inbound international tourism has flourished. Domestically, people who might ordinarily leave the country for vacation also elected to stay in the country for a variety of reasons, not … Continue reading →