PCiRoads uses custom equipment for Minneapolis stormwater project
Minneapolis features a busy and lively downtown area that’s home to nearly 57,000 residents along with 216,000 employees each week, per mplsdowntown.com. The city has consistently topped more than $1 billion in new construction permits over the past 11 years … More from our cover sponsor →
Safe apparatus handling
You arrive at the firehouse and walk into the radio room, only to find four of your co-workers sitting in their chairs like statues, afraid to move a muscle. An engineer is teetering on a pile of phone books, trying … Continue reading →
What a relief: Coordinating assistance when disaster strikes
Whenever and wherever tragedy occurs, Americans respond. Superstorm Sandy, the Newtown shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing and tornados ripping through the heart of Oklahoma have all prompted folks to dig deep in order to help those affected by disaster. However, … Continue reading →
Build it strong, build it green and build it inexpensively.
The priorities for public building projects these days, be it a new sheriff’s department, sports complex or four-lane overpass, are impossibly conflicting. Even after you organize those priorities by weight — I’m assuming public safety would be first, followed by … Continue reading →
‘Perfect storm’ brings challenges, solutions to local governments
While the recession has been declared officially over by most economists, local governments continue to feel the impact of the 2008 global financial meltdown and housing crisis. Unlike downturns of the past, the current recovery looks much different from anything … Continue reading →
Self-promotion equals self-preservation
Fire and fire-based EMS operations are on the defensive, both from members of the public and from those who write their paychecks. Since 9/11, public opinion of the fire service has remained high. But at the same time, city managers, … Continue reading →
Boost your buying power
The benefits of cooperative purchasing It’s a question plaguing communities all across the United States: How can we do more with less? According to Chris Penny of The Cooperative Purchasing Network, municipalities hampered by ever-shrinking budgets are turning to purchasing … Continue reading →
Fixed and mobile asset solutions
Not long ago, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sought to acquire an enterprise-wide operations management system to consolidate the entry and management of data. This system would have to provide a daily reporting interface that allows entry of all pertinent data … Continue reading →
GASB standards to increase pension transparency
Looming pension crises across the nation have garnered a lot of attention, mainly because some state funds have promised far more than they can afford. In fact, PEW Charitable Trust estimates states were $1.38 trillion short of having saved enough … Continue reading →
Career in government finance translates to flexibility
Richard Grove is the finance director for Lower Allen Township, Pa., and has been in government finance for about 30 years. After working in several parts of the country, he returned to his home state because of its familiar environment … Continue reading →
NAFA Fleet Management Conference April 23–26
The 2013 conference showed a median 20 percent increase in attendance over 2012. “We rolled the dice when we chose Atlantic City,” NAFA’s Executive Director Phillip Russo said. “It was only the second time in the last decade when we … Continue reading →
Hot time in the Circle City
Each spring downtown Indianapolis, Ind., rises as the center of the fire fighting universe, and this year was no exception. The 85th annual Fire Department Instructors Conference, April 22–27, packed the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and South Street … Continue reading →
To stand, walk and run again Tragedy in Boston
The Boston Marathon is one of New England’s signature sporting events. Held annually since 1987 on Patriot’s Day, the race attracts more than 20,000 participants. Spectators numbering around 500,000 line the city’s streets in hopes of catching a glimpse of … Continue reading →
The Municipal welcomes Ashley Adamaitis
Lifetime laker Ashley Adamaitis, a Syracuse, Ind., resident, has joined the staff of The Municipal magazine as an account executive. Adamaitis will call on companies that would benefit from a presence in one of the fastest growing municipal magazines in … Continue reading →
On the front lines of budgets and finance
Really, who would the editor of any magazine be to impart words of wisdom or new budgeting advice on local government managers? Day in and day out, you’re the ones making difficult financial decisions, juggling crucial services and desired programs … Continue reading →
Engagement: citizen leadership academies
Polls show that trust in government continues to decline, communities are having trouble filling elected offices and volunteers are desperately needed to serve in leadership roles on boards and commissions. Elected and appointed leaders are challenged to find ways to … Continue reading →
What are they thinking? Getting residents to relocate during disasters
It’s a question that vexes communities whenever a natural disaster occurs: Why do residents ignore repeated warnings to leave? Unlike man-made disasters, which tend to be unpredictable, natural disasters are often cyclical. In the cases of Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, Isaac … Continue reading →
Roll up your sleeves, get involved and get hacking
National Day of Civic Hacking June 1–2 National Day of Civic Hacking will take place the weekend of June 1–2 in cities across the nation in states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois and Kentucky. The event will bring … Continue reading →
