Staying on top of the weather with ‘eyes’ on the road
Forecasts are seldom infallible with unexpected atmospheric shifts changing expectations and plans. One must also factor in microclimates, which can see some areas more affected by winter storms than others. However, imagine having a personalized, real-time weather forecast, not just … More from our cover sponsor →
Balancing act: landfills vs. waste-to-energy plants
There’s a lot of gold in them thar hills. “Gold,” in this case, refers to municipal solid waste that can be recycled, reused, composted or converted into energy. It also includes the waste’s by-product of methane, some of which can … Continue reading →
Tackling stormwater pollution is a team effort
By TIM GOOD | Good Design, Deep River, Conn. In the last 15 years, even small municipalities have had to take big steps to combat the threat of pollution from stormwater runoff. The push came with the U.S. Environmental Protection … Continue reading →
Race, riots and rising expectations
In this issue of the Municipal magazine, our special coverage for readers focuses on the management of solid waste and of water treatment. Included in that coverage are topics that may be particularly interesting to wastewater treatment professionals, including an … Continue reading →
Is your garage ready for gaseous fuels?
More municipalities are exploring alternative fuels. As they do so, infrastructure becomes an important component. Are shops and technicians ready to handle the inclusion of alternative fuels, particularly gaseous fuels, into the fleet? According to Bill Davis, director of the … Continue reading →
Pedestrian bridge hitches an Indiana city to Louisville’s wagon
Jeffersonville, Ind., a city of approximately 45,000, is experiencing a downtown resurgence. That new life has come in part due to a recently completed, $22 million project known as the Big Four Bridge — a former railroad truss bridge that … Continue reading →
Monitoring and detecting snowplow driver fatigue
What weighs 29 tons, moves at 40 miles per hour and carries a 12-foot blade in front of it? It’s not a figment of a science fiction, but rather a commonplace sight in most northern states. The answer, of course, … Continue reading →
New view for an Iowa town
Madrid, Iowa, is located just to the west of a direct line connecting Ames and Des Moines. The population is about 2,360, according to the 2009 U.S. Census estimate: large enough to support many local conveniences, such as gas stations, … Continue reading →
2014: The year of coming back
Some of the most difficult issues faced by small- and mid-sized cities and towns seem to revolve around pension reform, tax caps and decreased federal funding for infrastructure. Even given these situations, however, municipalities accomplished a great deal in 2014. … Continue reading →
Resource recovery parks
The bad news is, Americans generate trash. Lots of it. Now, the good news: An increasing number of municipalities are finding ways to turn that refuse into fuel, reusable material and revenue. The problem Amid the convenience of disposability and … Continue reading →
Social impact bonds
Governments are well-intentioned when it comes to social programs, but oftentimes they focus on the amount rather than the quality of services provided. Funding for prevention is especially susceptible to cuts, making it difficult to consistently fund the programs, let … Continue reading →
New Product Trends
2015 budgets have been approved, and more than likely they include allocations for at least a few pieces of new equipment. Before submitting a specific item for purchase approval, though, take a look at what manufacturers say will be the … Continue reading →
Now, dare to plan
I don’t know if it’s coincidence, or if the fact that we’re now a couple of years beyond the recession is bringing to bear fruit: But stories of success and accomplishment in local government are cropping up all over lately. … Continue reading →
Benefit from an auction partner Sell your vehicles, save your resources
In the best-run municipal departments across the country, every minute and dollar go where they can make the biggest impact. Achieving that can be difficult in the face of challenging tasks, including the disposal of vehicles that have outlived their … Continue reading →
Evaluating your IT department
MICHAEL CANNON | Guest columnist Chief information officer, International City/County Management Association Information technology is an essential part of any local government. From your website to GIS to financial accounting and public works, etc., nearly every aspect of your operations … Continue reading →
Honoring veterans: not just for November
Proclamations, prayers and parades: Veterans Day observances rely on all three to demonstrate respect and appreciation for citizens who responded to the call of duty. The biggest and longest-running celebration of the sacrifices of veterans probably happens in Newton, N.C.; … Continue reading →
Out of the office Iowa Mayor Adam Schweers talks about life in public service
If you want to talk to the mayor of Carroll, Iowa, on a random weekday, don’t call city hall. He won’t be there. If he’s not out in the community or traveling on official business, Adam Schweers, 35, can usually … Continue reading →
Top Ten Main Streets
This summer Parade magazine asked its readers to nominate the best Main Streets and share what makes them special.
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