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 … More from our cover sponsor →
Economic development with a global flavor
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 →
Parks catalog captures community support
The tried-and-true methods of fundraising — bake sales, car washes, magazine subscriptions, lemonade stands and candy — all have their place. But moving into the big leagues, such as coming up with successful fundraising ideas for city parks is a … Continue reading →
City administrations shore up against erosion
With water in the Great Lakes at or near record levels and rainfall in the Midwest well above normal this winter, it’s not surprising that cities around the region are facing erosion issues on lake shores and riverbanks. According … Continue reading →
Creative zoning to meet housing needs
In Minnesota: Minneapolis 2040 In October 2019, Minneapolis City Council adopted a resolution to approve Minneapolis 2040, which took effect Jan 1, 2020. Minneapolis 2040 has multiple goals for the city, including eliminating disparities, promoting growth in residents and … Continue reading →
Municipalities using hybrid work vehicles to accelerate their carbon reduction plans
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 →
Bellingham embraces Greenroads principles
In cities across the United States, industries that were thriving decades ago are dying off and leaving large facilities unoccupied and unkempt. Eventually, developers or municipalities take it upon themselves to tear down old buildings and start anew. But in … Continue reading →
First responders trained to manage natural gas emergencies
Mark Garvin is one of those people who could easily be blown away by his job. Not necessarily because he likes it, but because he needs to follow the safety rules he is in charge of as manager of Gas … Continue reading →
Repair or replace: When is the time right
With each passing year, the cost of repairing and replacing emergency vehicles, such as fire apparatuses and police cars, grows. Today, a police vehicle will cost nearly six-figures, while the price of most new fire trucks is more than half … Continue reading →
Battle Creek Police Department’s Fusion Center develops relationships to better community
In Battle Creek, Mich., the police department has created an “information clearinghouse” known as the Fusion Center. “We analyze basically everything that’s going on in the city daily,” explained Sgt. Jeff Case, who is in charge of the Fusion Center. … Continue reading →
A veteran? Apply within
Is there a downside? While veterans can be a perfect fit in law enforcement, they must seriously evaluate whether or not they truly want a job with the potential for retraumatization, a subject addressed in an article by Gary Peterson, … Continue reading →
Behind the uniform: Conyers, Ga., police officer Troy Quick makes a difference in young lives
Officer Troy Quick is determined to touch young lives early and change the perception of how they view law enforcement. “It can be hard for a kid growing up and thinking that the police are against them,” he said. “I … Continue reading →
The crisis facing EMS systems
“Legislators, community organizations and EMS agencies across the country are identifying that EMS is struggling and that there is a perceived EMS crisis, a crisis that may come to impact anyone who needs medical care, is involved in an accident … Continue reading →
Drop the garlic and wash your hands
When it comes to public safety, coronavirus, or COVID-19, is dominating the news, with coverage at times bordering on fearmongering. Poor Corona — the beer — has taken a hit, with a recent survey of American beer drinkers by 5W Public Relations finding 38% … Continue reading →
First responders have unique grain bin rescue training option
The scenario is all too real. A 911 dispatcher receives a call that a farmer has fallen into his grain bin. Though the individual kernels are solid, together they create a condition similar to quicksand. Each movement causes the kernels … Continue reading →
The Municipal Top 10: Ten safest cities in America
Upon 2019’s end, WalletHub released its annual list of the “Safest Cities in America.” The website compared more than 180 cities across 41 key indicators of safety to create it. These indicators are across three key dimensions: 1) home and … Continue reading →
Cities work to raise awareness of mental health programs available to first responders
Suicide prevention and mental health awareness are becoming increasingly important topics, particularly among first responders. Many municipalities are now encouraging first responders to participate in available programs, training and therapy. Central Ohio Technical College held a First Responder Mental … Continue reading →
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez, Mississippi
Real estate entrepreneur John Bourthoumieu recently migrated from northern Indiana to a waterside home on the Tennessee River about a dozen miles northwest of Florence, Ala. He found out about the Natchez Trace Parkway from “the guy who sold me … Continue reading →
The city seal of Wahpeton, North Dakota
The city seal of Wahpeton, N.D., is rather busy. It has a lot to say. The black and white circular seal, designed in 1979, features several images depicting the history of the city, population 7,766. According to the city’s website, … Continue reading →
