Congratulations! You’ve just been elected to city government. Now what? Your first weeks in office can be intimidating. You have new responsibilities, unfamiliar laws to follow and complicated procedures to implement. How do you learn to effectively serve in your new job? If you are … Continue reading →
Actually, it’s no pipe dream. The reality is that some cities stand to benefit from local programs that pay for the college education of their high school students, if they attend nearby public universities or community colleges. Janice Brown, former … Continue reading →
Despite bad press about the water debacle, Flint is making a comeback; and its supporters have been vocal about their city’s progress. The University of Michigan, Flint campus, has been instrumental in the city’s struggle for transformation. Chancellor Susan Borrego … Continue reading →
Some products are known by their logo colors and designs, even if the name is omitted — think Coca-Cola, Arby’s, MasterCard and Chevrolet. And how about those Bears, Colts and Packers? But fill in the names and consider what a … Continue reading →
Customizability, demand offer good fit for any size locality Americans encounter customer self-service portals in dealings with banks, hospitals and doctor’s offices. At the municipal level such interactions are becoming almost as common. Leesburg, Va., has a population of approximately … Continue reading →
A council-manager form of local government can yield great rewards, according to one Iowa mayor. Within this type of framework, the city administrator, or manager, is the chief administrative officer and appoints all officers other than the attorney and municipal … Continue reading →
Do public employee unions hurt city budgets? Do union employees receive higher pay and benefits than their nonunion counterparts in the private sector? The answers seem to depend on who you ask, as studies on the topic conflict. But for … Continue reading →
By REBA HULL CAMPBELL The reasons entrepreneurs choose to locate their businesses in a particular place are as diverse as the businesses themselves. Human capital, access to transportation, quality of life or just the human touch from local officials could … Continue reading →
Vernon Hills Public Works Department Open House took place this year from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.15. Vernon Hills has a population near 26,000 residents. Holding the public works open house on a weekday evening worked well for the city, and … Continue reading →
It is the nation’s second-largest commercial holiday, one that Americans spend an estimated $6 billion on annually. Although Halloween is rooted in the 2,000-year-old pre-Christian Celtic festival honoring the deceased, it has evolved over the years, and today is most … Continue reading →
Flying the flag is a priority for the nation and U.S. states, but at the municipal level the practice is more hit and miss. Dennis Criscuolo, owner and manager of The Flag Center, said he’s seen a slight decrease in … Continue reading →
