Local governments benefit in a number of ways when they make volunteering a part of their culture. Citizens provide a variety of important services that range from administrative support to emergency response to community beautification. When citizens take ownership in … Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
By DANA RASMUSSEN | New World Systems Imagine a community with a more efficient government: a government that uses less taxpayer money, time and resources. New World Systems, a public sector software company based in Troy, Mich., helps make the … Continue reading →
Houston County, Ala., hopes to streamline garbage collection. Beginning in 2014, the county will undergo a 60- to 90-day trial period of an automated trash collection system, similar to that of nearby Dothan, Ala., which includes the purchase of one … Continue reading →
In Dorchester County, S.C., plans are well underway to spur economic development in the county’s northern half. Dorchester purchased St. George’s wastewater treatment plant and collection system in 2009 with the intent of expanding and updating its operations. It’s hoped … Continue reading →
Fairfax County, Va., a community holding a Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit, moved in 2011 to execute a unique compliance methodology. Responding to the comprehensive nature of the permit, the county decided to form a multidisciplinary team … Continue reading →
From protecting the environment and human health to saving money, a wide gamut of reasons exist for municipalities to “go green” and rethink the purchase of equipment and supplies. Buying recycled products is one type of green purchasing, but many … Continue reading →
Water Conserv II, the largest reuse project of its kind in the world, began 27 years ago through a partnership between Orange County, Fla., and the city of Orlando. Both were faced with a lawsuit that required them to find … 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 →
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 →
