Blackburn Mfg. Co. was started in 1953 by E.A. “Bud” Blackburn in the basement of a small family homestead near Royal, Neb. Bud’s uncle, Ray Blackburn, who was a surveyor, asked him if he could attach a piece of cloth … Continue reading →
There’s power in numbers. That’s the idea behind the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, a coalition of 95 mayors from 124 mayor-led cities on the Mississippi River. A vast majority of mayors are in the association, and the mayor … Continue reading →
The world’s urban population is expected to increase 60% in the next 30 years, and it would behoove municipal leaders to start planning for that now. Many municipalities are currently grappling with the challenge of maintaining infrastructure and an acceptable … Continue reading →
When Bloomington, Ill., Public Works Director Jim Karch watches his pennies for a whole year, he saves on average $250,000. But it’s not really his money; it belongs to Bloomington because Karch, PE, MPA, oversaw a successful merger of the … Continue reading →
The city of Montgomery, Ala., has recently been recognized for its technological advances in becoming a smart city. It began with a collaboration and consultation between technology advocate and entrepreneur Boyd Stephens and Mayor Todd Strange. Their goal was to … Continue reading →
Prepare Cupertino was a free community preparedness fair held Saturday, June 22, in Cupertino, Calif. Clare Francavilla, emergency services coordinator, explained, “This fair was a way to inform Cupertino’s community members about the importance of getting prepared for an emergency … Continue reading →
When disaster hits a community and an SOS call goes out, generally the problem is not a lack of response but rather an overwhelming response of volunteers and donations. For mayors and other city officials trying to put their communities … Continue reading →
David Biderman, SWANA’s CEO and executive director, said the East Coast is, in particular, grappling with such an issue. In the Boston area, for example, decision makers have significant concerns about whether there is sufficient landfill capacity going forward and … Continue reading →
Last month, Warrenton, N.C., celebrated the first anniversary of its municipal park — the first one built in the small town with a population of about 850. This summer, the Hayley-Haywood Park bustles with warm-weather activities and happy “school’s out!” … Continue reading →
Few departments are as multifaceted as public works, tackling a large swathe of jobs that often go under-appreciated by the general public until something goes wrong — such as a water main breaking. Which is a shame, especially since life … Continue reading →
The existence of fats, oil and grease buildup in sewer lines can be disastrous for both individuals and the city when it comes to short- and long-term consequences. Consequences can range from a costly and pungent inconvenience to an expensive, … Continue reading →
