Placemaking continues to grow nationwide, in municipalities like Oviedo, Fla.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Savannah, Ga. — and even on an international scale, from South Korea to Canada and the United Arab Emirates. While not a new concept, placemaking encourages municipal … Continue reading →
Seven years ago the state of Michigan embraced placemaking — not as a buzzword, but to develop a dialogue. “Our board (Michigan Municipal League) challenged us to be more proactive with what was going on economically,” said Arnold Weinfield, director … Continue reading →
The Burlington Municipal Band plays peppy, patriotic Souza marches for the city’s Memorial Day celebrations. “Children do somersaults on the grass. People are proud. Those who attend feel the band is a strong part of the community; communities need something … Continue reading →
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 →
The word “Waukesha” means “by the little fox,” but most people know Waukesha for its close proximity to two of Wisconsin’s popular big cities: Milwaukee and Madison. Its desirable location is just one reason Waukesha was ranked one of the … Continue reading →
Why should cities, residents and utility companies work together to encourage energy conservation and efficiency? “If people are spending less on energy bills, they have more money to spend in their community,” explained Charles Grawe, assistant city administrator of Apple … Continue reading →
On Dec. 13, 2012, Newtown, Conn., was an idyllic and relatively unheard-of New England community. But at 9:30 a.m. the following day, it became synonymous with Aurora, Virginia Tech, Columbine and other scenes of national tragedy after a gunman entered … Continue reading →
A political paradigm has shifted, and 24 towns in St. Louis County are reaping the benefits. Fragmentation and self-imposed isolation have long been norms in the countryside that rings St. Louis city. The city itself set that tone in 1876, … Continue reading →
In eastern Iowa, one inmate rehabilitation program has won over residents, corrections officers and even the hard-working laborers. Scott County Sheriff’s Office’s Community Restoration Program is now in its eighth year. The program first came together around the time plans … Continue reading →
Steven Reckart has served as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years in West Virginia. His career began in college, when he worked in a police communication center. That led to his long tenure as a state trooper. Today, … Continue reading →
Arguments in favor of decentralized wastewater systems gain traction The use of decentralized/distributed sewers is an emerging trend intended to bridge the gap between central sewers and residential septic systems. Upgrading and improving a city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure is one … Continue reading →
