Keeping a city alive and well when the economy makes a major shift requires generous touches of both creativity and courage. So, when Bay City, Mich., began the shift from an industrial economy to a tourism-based economy, city officials … Continue reading →
The people of Pierre, S.D., voted for an increase on their water bill. The increase of nearly 40% was a stipulation of a project to build a new water treatment facility — to be uniquely situated in a municipal riverside … Continue reading →
Municipal construction projects are a necessary part of any city’s growth and development, whether new roads and sidewalks or sewer lines and other necessary improvements. However, there are times when projects require the acquisition of private property. Typically, a … Continue reading →
It’s not unusual for a city to make use of its natural resources, like a riverfront. What is unusual, perhaps, is how exactly the city of Port Neches, Texas went about its riverfront development. In 2005, two tracts of … Continue reading →
Economic development is necessary for any community to grow and thrive. For smaller cities, however, this can be a struggle, especially when they sit in the shadows of major metropolitan areas. In these cases, public-private partnerships like Startup Waco … Continue reading →
A decade ago, Deltona, Florida, was a small city with few jobs and 250 acres of seemingly useless undeveloped land nearby. Today, that piece of land has transformed into the Portland Industrial Park, which has attracted major companies like Amazon, … Continue reading →
Ken Young, AICP, and director of community development, doesn’t use the word “boom” in regards to his city’s recent development but rather prefers to call it continued strong growth. “Several factors would be involved, of course,” said Young. “One of … Continue reading →
Nowadays, Spartanburg, S.C., is a growing, bustling city with a lively downtown area and an emphasis on all involved working together. However, according to Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Allen Smith, things were not always so good. In fact, … Continue reading →
The economy is becoming more global as we speak, and a seminar in Gilbert, Ariz., late last year only drives that point further home. Gilbert’s Office of Economic Development, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Gilbert Sister Cities sponsored the … Continue reading →
As housing shortages become more prevalent, cities and towns explore creative ways to address the situation. Some cities are doing this is by changing zoning laws in what is commonly known as upzoning or mixed zoning. The move to single-home-only … Continue reading →
When New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a February 2020 executive order mandating the city would operate a fleet that was 100% electric by 2040, it marked the most recent in a series of announcements by major U.S. … Continue reading →
