It seems that literally every day there’s news of another train derailment, so the question on many city official’s minds should be, “Are we prepared in the event of a train derailment in our community?” One community — Whitemarsh, Pa. … Continue reading →
Global Environmental Products Inc. has been building and delivering 100% electric street sweepers for several years now. Its M4EV was the first all-electric sweeper model offered for sale. Launched in September 2019 at the national PWX Show in Seattle, the … Continue reading →
Some years back there was a television show set in Seattle about the logging industry, with a recurring line about the bluest skies a person had ever seen and the hills that were the greenest green. And on the show, … Continue reading →
In the 1980s, the state of Indiana encouraged cities to test out new technology for wastewater treatment plants. Cities were given money to try out a continuous batch reactor. By the time Mayor Terry Amick of Scottsburg, Ind., took office, … Continue reading →
Rain from storm after storm saturated the soil. When on Jan. 9, 2023, an atmospheric river dumped several more inches of rain on the city of San Luis Obispo, Calif., rushing water swelled creeks and submerged streets. Floodwaters piled debris … Continue reading →
Wonder why some bikers don’t always use bike lanes? You might think they would improve safety, but that’s not always true and for more than one reason. Some bikers choose not to ride in the lane if the traffic is … Continue reading →
The public works department is a multifaceted, ever-evolving municipal department that few fully understand. It is responsible for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of a city’s infrastructure, including its roads, transportation system, bridges, water, waste disposal, pest control, etc. … Continue reading →
Shawn O’Leary, Norman, Okla., director of public works, joined the team in 2007 and his primary goal was improvement of his department. “I was looking for a tool to help me fix that,” he explained. He had been watching the … Continue reading →
When an opportunity arises, it’s best to take advantage of it while you can, and that is especially true with municipalities planning for the future. The city of West Hartford, Conn., had such an opportunity and could take advantage of … Continue reading →
If there is one constant during the spring and summer, it’s the wave of never-ending mowing. Highways, ditches, right-of-ways, parks and other municipal properties all require routine mowing. This improves safety and also maintains a manicured appearance that pleases visitors … Continue reading →
Madison, Wis., Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is breaking barriers. She’s the second female mayor and the first openly LGBTQ person in that office. But before taking the helm of “Madtown,” as it’s affectionately called by residents, she served on the city … Continue reading →
