When disaster strikes, or is on the way, communities have a small window of opportunity to notify the public of impending peril and encourage them to “get out of Dodge” before it’s too late. In order to provide … 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 →
It is the rare and special dreamer who can scan the choppy waters of a mile-long strait in San Francisco and say, “We can build a bridge over that.” Or to peer at a mountain range and envision an asphalt … Continue reading →
In August 2017 a catastrophic Hurricane Harvey left his calling card with the good people of Houston and southeast Texas who hadn’t invited him in the first place. The Category 4 high winds — 130 mph — and a … Continue reading →
We always like to think disasters won’t happen to us, but they can and do. Local to me — but still distant enough to dull concern — the weather has been a bit more exciting this spring. A confirmed tornado … Continue reading →
As recently as several years ago, managing the curb meant ensuring parking rules were followed, bus stops were clear for your mass transit system and delivery trucks were in the proper loading and unloading zone. A municipal agency only had … Continue reading →
Sustainable procurement or “green purchasing” is an initiative that is often driven — and achieved — through municipal purchasing decisions. From buying products made of recycled materials or weighing the energy efficiency of an appliance, to contracting firms with socially … Continue reading →
The city of El Paso, Texas, will soon be repurposing treated wastewater to usable drinking water through a process called advanced purification. The project is designed in an effort to conserve precious water resources in the desert environment, as well … Continue reading →
When it comes to showcasing and promoting the interests of its youngest citizens, the city of Pembroke Pines, Fla., doesn’t “kid” around. Not only does the mayor’s office host an annual all-day party to celebrate this special constituency, but the … Continue reading →
Though the time for “spring” cleaning is long past, there are still debris-littered hedgerows and various items of refuse and trash in municipalities that periodically will need to be cleaned up. Two cities featured here have taken the lead and … Continue reading →
There was a time when smoking was promoted as being glamorous and “everybody” did it — before we realized the health consequences for smokers and those in their proximity. It’s the dangers of secondhand smoke as well as the litter … Continue reading →
