Weedoo clearing the way: Why more municipalities are turning to mechanical harvesting for waterway health
Public works departments are under growing pressure to meet environmental regulations, manage costs and maintain community trust. Nowhere is that balancing act more visible than in aquatic maintenance. From stormwater canals to retention ponds, municipalities face persistent challenges: invasive weeds, … More from our cover sponsor →
Assistant Fire Marshal Matt O’Daniel: Teaching fire safety through weekly walkabouts
Years ago, the city of Lynchburg, Va., started a program called “After the Fire.” If there was a fire in a neighborhood, particularly if someone was injured or killed, the fire department would canvas the neighborhood, speak to all the … Continue reading →
More than Mayberry: a small town with a big reputation
A trip to Mount Airy, N.C., is more than a peek into the past; it’s a step back in time. Located along the Ararat River about three miles south of the Virginia state line, Mount Airy was officially incorporated in … Continue reading →
Minnesota police department program builds officer candidate pipeline
It’s no secret that police departments around the country face a pressing challenge — how to recruit and retain the right people for one of the most demanding professions. A nationwide drop in law enforcement applications has left many agencies … Continue reading →
Wausau Fire Department pioneers apprenticeship program for firefighters and paramedics
Entering the firefighting and paramedic field can be challenging due to the extensive time, training and costs involved. These barriers often deter people from pursuing this career path, leaving communities with a shortage of these crucial individuals. To address their … Continue reading →
Top Ten: Safest cities in the U.S.
What makes for a safe city? Most people would probably cite a low crime rate, few blighted neighborhoods, widespread street lighting and good public roads. These factors usually reassure residents and contribute to such a determination. “When people think about … Continue reading →
Huntsville’s Public Safety Training Academy provides state-of-the-art training for public safety departments
As cities grow, so must their police and fire departments. This was the case for Huntsville, Ala. The city realized the need for a new building and training academy for the police and fire departments to ensure public safety officials … Continue reading →
ARRIVE Together makes a difference in New Jersey
ARRIVE Together, a program that has mental health professionals responding with law enforcement agencies when called for, is a program having success for less use of force responses in New Jersey. ARRIVE, which is an acronym for Alternative Response to … Continue reading →
Best practices for hydrant maintenance
With any waterworks device that will be buried in the ground for long periods, regularly exceeding 50-plus years, proper maintenance is essential to ensure they perform as needed and fulfill their expected life. But unlike many of these devices, a … Continue reading →
Severe weather shelters support homeless population
The city of Vancouver, Wash., is increasing efforts to provide shelter and resources for its unhoused population, especially during the unforgiving winter months. Through a partnership with Outsiders Inn, a local organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness, it has … Continue reading →
Paragould opens a new home for city offices
Located at the place where the Paramore and Gould railroads met, the city of Paragould, Ark., is as unique as its name. Incorporated on March 3, 1883, when it was still an uncultivated timber-covered tract, it became the Greene County … Continue reading →
Full tilt: Silverball Retro Arcade
No one has to be a pinball wizard to run up a respectable score at the Silverball Retro Arcade, Entertainment, Eatery and Museum. Located on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, N.J., what started out as a modest collection has grown … Continue reading →
New electric refuse trucks move Madison, Wis., toward its goal of zero net emissions by 2030
In the summer of 2024, Madison, Wis., added two electric refuse trucks to its fleet. The city has been prioritizing moving toward electrification, alternative fuels or biofuel along with the city’s goal toward a greener future. With 1,400 vehicles in … Continue reading →
Mental health initiative gains ground in fire service
First responders are frontline heroes, ready to do whatever it takes to protect lives and property. However, behind their acts of courage are men and women who strive to ensure their teams are not only prepared but also supported in … Continue reading →
Relocation assistance helps with labor shortage
In order to help Hazelwood businesses attract employees, the Missouri city has started an incentivized relocation assistance program. After beginning in his position as assistant city manager in June 2022, David Leezer heard from local employers about labor shortage … Continue reading →
Gainesville adopts RTS zero emission plan: receives federal grants to move goals forward
In January, Gainesville, Fla., City Commission adopted the city’s first Climate Resiliency Plan and RTS Zero Emission Transition Plan. City of Gainesville’s Chief Resilience Officer Dan Zhu said the plan includes 10 chapters, the first one and the most actionable … Continue reading →
Dial-A-Ride program in Midland, Mich., provides alternative to public transportation
Last year Midland, Mich., celebrated 50 years with the city’s Dial-A-Ride program. This program allows residents to call for curb to curb transportation within the parameters of the city. The program can be used by anyone in Midland from school-aged … Continue reading →
Cohort experience helps Sedona with electrification
Best known for the red sandstone rocks that have provided the backdrop for everything from early 20th century Western movies to spiritual retreats to hiking and biking trails, Sedona, Ariz., is working to make a mark in building a notable … Continue reading →
Warwick pairs rich history with forward-thinking development
Settled along the coastline of Narragansett Bay, Warwick, R.I., is a city that blends its historical significance with modern-day growth. As the second-largest city in the Ocean State, Warwick offers a rich history, community charm and forward-thinking development. From its … Continue reading →
