18 Public Works: San Pablo, Calif., moves toward a more vibrant city with sustainability practices
24 Public Works: Shreveport, La., Public Works Department reaches out to the next generation with career popups
28 Public Works: Fort Wayne, Ind., pioneers electric vehicle infrastructure
32 Public Works: Pasco, Wash., and its multiple public works projects gain national recognition
38 Public Works: Salem’s eye in the sky: How drones are transforming public works operations
46 Public Safety: New tower helps Jefferson City prepare for all fire emergencies
48 Water & Energy: Chino Hills invests in recycled water to sustain urban green spaces
52 Parks & Environmental Services: Haltom City reclaims North Park for the local community
54
Building & Construction: Combatting the affordable housing crisis
58 Municipal Management: Phased-in code compliance increases occupancy in historic buildings
60 Streets, Highways & Bridges: Dunwoody Pavement Management Program replaces all streets on 20-year cycle
64 Parks & Environmental Services: Unity Square Park: Leading a citywide movement of revitalization in New Jersey
From stormwater canals to retention ponds, many municipalities face persistent challenges: invasive weeds, organic buildup and nutrient overload. Across the country, more public works teams are choosing mechanical harvesting — trading chemicals for
publisher RON BAUMGARTNER rbaumgartner@the-papers.com
editor-in-chief DEB PATTERSON dpatterson@the-papers.com
editor SARAH WRIGHT swright@the-papers.com
publication manager CHRIS SMITH chris@themunicipal.com
Jennifer Barton, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Lauren Caggiano, Nicholette Carlson, Andrew Dugan, Denise Fedorow, Danielle Lund, Janet G. Patterson, Julie Young
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Putting the spotlight on public works
Where would we be without our public works professionals?
Surrounded by potholes and filth while succumbing to dysentery and other diseases linked to untreated water … probably. Public works professionals keep our cities running smoothly and improve the lives of residents daily. Some of their roles may go under the radar, but that doesn’t lessen the importance of their work.
Each May, the American Public Works Week aims to raise awareness of the profession. This past year’s theme was “People, Purpose, Presence,” the three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day. APWA noted, “Many times, public works professionals will never meet those whose lives have been impacted because
when things are going right, no one knows that public works is there. Yet, with or without fanfare, public works is ever present, working in the background to advance quality of life for all.”
However, during the week, workers found some fanfare with open houses, tours, luncheons, employee spotlights and more. On social media, #NPWW highlighted the various ways cities celebrated their public works department and raised awareness for the profession. One of my favorites came from Anderson, S.C.’s, Facebook page, where the city shared photos of public works professionals holding signs about what they love about working in public works, from the people to “working for Adam Cromer.” It added a human face.
In this issue of The Municipal, Shreveport, La., is also adding a human face to public works while also sharing the opportunities offered by public works to younger generations. Writer Nicholette Carlson shares the city’s public works department’s pop-up event at a local high school. The department set up interactive displays with some of the department’s equipment, handed out informational materials about various job roles and had team employees
from various divisions, such as solid waste, traffic engineering and streets and drainage, there to talk with students and answer questions. This is an engagement effort that other cities may want to adapt to their own communities.
This public works issue will also highlight innovative projects, including several in Pasco, Wash., and San Pablo, Calif., that show the innovations public works departments are capable of.
At The Municipal, we’re used to seeing drone programs housed in public safety agencies; however, that’s not the case in Salem, Ore. Its public works department specifically the GIS division houses and operates the drone program, using them to assess storm damage efficiently and safely, among completing other projects.
Last but not least, writer Lauren Caggiano spoke with Fort Wayne, Ind., about its public works department’s efforts to bring electrical vehicle charging infrastructure to the city for those who would like to use it.
Until next time, I hope the summer treats everyone well! M
Sarah Wright | Editor
Clearing the way: Why more municipalities are turning to mechanical harvesting for waterway health
Public works departments are under growing pressure to meet environmental regulations, manage costs and maintain community trust. Nowhere is that balancing act more visible than in aquatic maintenance.
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From stormwater canals to retention ponds, municipalities face persistent challenges: invasive weeds, organic buildup and nutrient overload. These problems threaten water quality, property values and public health. For decades, the go-to solution was spraying herbicides like glyphosate but that approach is losing ground.
More public works teams are choosing mechanical harvesting trading chemicals for cleaner, sustainable tools that physically remove weeds, muck and debris. The results speak for themselves.
The growing trend that’s changing waterways
Freshwater systems with little flow are especially prone to overgrowth. Fertilizer runoff, leaking septic systems and urban development all fuel excess plant growth. When those plants die, they sink and decay, creating layers of muck that smother ecosystems. Spraying herbicides like glyphosate may seem like a quick fix, but it doesn’t eliminate biomass or nutrients. Often, it worsens the cycle leading to more growth, more chemicals, and more public concern.
Mechanical harvesting breaks the cycle. It removes vegetation, algae, and muck at the source lowering nutrient loads, restoring flow and reducing the need for repeat
treatments. It’s a proactive solution that benefits both waterways and municipal budgets.
Results that speak for themselves
Faced with rising costs and polluted canals, many municipalities are turning to mechanical removal.
The City of Lauderdale Lakes cut its $250K herbicide budget by 50% within a year of operating their Weedoo Workboat. By year three now armed with two Weedoos the city had eliminated spraying altogether and saved $650K with an investment under $200K in mechanical harvesting.
In Brevard County, officials launched an in-house harvesting program with a Weedoo. In just two years, they removed more than 17 million pounds of aquatic debris compared to just 2.2 million in previous years. Glyphosate use dropped to nearly zero.
The power behind cleaner waterways
Mechanical harvesting isn’t new, but the technology has come a long way. Weedoo’s compact, rugged workboats proudly made in the USA are purpose-built to tackle invasive plants, sediment and floating debris.
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The future is mechanical
As regulations tighten and expectations rise, cities need real solutions. Mechanical harvesting isn’t just a shift in strategy it’s a shift in mindset.
By removing the root of the problem, municipalities can restore water quality, reduce costs and protect public health. The future of aquatic maintenance is here and it’s mechanical.
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A storied setting: The Hemingway House
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
It is the most popular tourist attraction in Key West, Fla. — a stately, 3,264-square-foot Spanish colonial mansion at 907 Whitehead St. that is as storied as the man who once called the property home: American Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway.
Built in 1851 for marine salvager Asa Tift using rock hewn from the grounds, the abandoned property had fallen into disrepair when Hemingway and his wife Pauline Pfeiffer moved to Key West in 1928. After spending three years in a variety of rentals, the couple began to look for something more permanent. Upon discovering the property, Pfeiffer convinced her uncle to buy the house for $8,000 and then give it to them as a wedding present. The uncle agreed, and the Hemingways moved into the home in 1931.
Hemingway hired out-of-work locals to complete the painstaking task of restoring the house to its former glory, while Pfeiffer styled the home’s interior. The features included 17th-century Spanish furniture, French chandeliers, Italian marble and hand-painted tiles from the Royal Palace in Havana, Cuba, dappled with some of Hemingway’s hunting trophies. The room above the garage was transformed into a writer’s retreat where Hemingway would write “Green Hills of Africa,” “To Have and Have Not” and “Islands in the Stream.”
Swimming in different directions
One of the more interesting features on the property is the in-ground swimming pool that cost a whopping $20,000 to construct in 1938. According to the Hemingway Home and Museum website, the pool required a 24-by 60-foot hole dug out of solid coral to accommodate depths ranging from five to 10 feet.
Although the famed author planned the pool himself, he complained frequently about the cost associated with it and accused his wife of spending every last penny he had to complete her showplace. Legend has it that in 1938 Hemingway theatrically flung his reported “last red cent” onto the flagstone pool deck so that all of his money could be invested in the property.
While there is a penny embedded in the concrete, no one knows for sure if it is the original penny.
The couple divorced that year, and he relocated to Cuba. Pfeiffer continued to live on the property with their two sons, Patrick and Greg, until her death in 1951. The boys inherited the home in 1961 after the
Municipal editor Sarah Wright visited the Hemingway Home and Museum in March and posed in front of the Spanish colonial mansion.
death of Hemingway, but they had no emotional attachment to the estate and sold it quickly for $80,000.
Although the house was technically a private residence, the public became fascinated by the home as well as its famous occupant and were constantly asking for tours of the property. In 1964, the home was converted into a museum, and in 1968, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A unique retreat
Visitors to the Hemingway Home and Museum marvel at the author’s personal effects, including his typewriter, which is on display in his writer’s retreat above the garage, as well as the ornately carved headboard that was once a monastery gate. Guests can amble along the
The
(Photo by Jill Best)
Pictured is author Ernest Hemingway’s “last red cent,” which is embedded in concrete near the pool that then-wife Pauline Pfeiffer installed. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
Visitors to the Hemingway Home and Museum can view many of Hemingway’s typewriters on display. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
second story veranda and catch a glimpse of the island’s iconic lighthouse across the street, tour the gardens, enjoy the anecdotes shared by tour guides and interact with a number of six-toed cats that call the property home.
Most of the felines on the property are descendent from Hemingway’s original pet Snow White, which was gifted to him by a sea captain. In fact, the Hemingway Home and Museum doubles as a cat sanctuary. And while the animals have the run of the estate, they also have a cat house that is a replica of the Hemingway home itself.
Cory Lee, who runs the website Curb Free with Cory Lee said Hemingway’s Key
While visitors cannot fully enter Hemingway’s study, resident cats are allowed to rest within. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
West home is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
“The most interesting things I saw in the gardens at the Hemingway Home Museum were all of the cats. There are dozens of cats on the grounds ... They were so cute but seemed to be a bit fearful of my wheelchair, so they kept running away,” he said in a Facebook post. “I really didn’t expect for the Hemingway home to be so nice, but I absolutely loved my visit!”
Dawn Habermann said she was impressed by the house. “I waited over 40 years to get there, and it was amazing,” she posted. “I first read ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ in high school and fell in love.”
Rachel Stefan was married at the Hemingway home in 2023 and said her event was everything she’d ever dreamed.
“The venue is absolutely stunning, and their in-house planning team was amazing,” she said in a Google review. “The staff was incredibly kind, and I can’t wait to visit this special place again soon.”
For an in-depth look into the life of one of the greatest authors of all time, to appreciate historic architecture or even just to pet the cats, the Hemingway home and museum is worth a visit and the memories will last a lifetime.
ABOVE & BELOW Cats are everywhere on the estate grounds. Visitors are warned to not pick them up, though, and to interact with them at their own risk. (Photos by Sarah Wright)
Salem, Ore.’s, public works department’s GIS team used drones to capture high-resolution video and photos for all 90 of the city’s parks.
$90,000
A $90,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management — through funds tied to Volkswagen’s emissions violation settlement — has bolstered the Fort Wayne, Ind.’s, EV infrastructure expansion. These funds are earmarked to support projects that reduce environmental impact, such as fleet electrification and EV charging stations.
Learn more about how Fort Wayne has used this grant funding on page 28.
$6 million
Athens-Clarke county officials in Georgia opened a 525-foot, $6 million bridge on a bike path and walking trail this spring. The bridge replaced a railroad trestle from 1883 that was structurally unsound but famous: A photo of it was featured on the back of R.E.M.’s debut album in 1983.
Because the phrase has fallen into disuse, in October the former Public Works Water Pollution Control utility of Kansas City, Kan., unveiled a new name and 66,000-foot state-of-the-art facility. It’s now known as Kansas City, Kansas, Environmental Services.
KCKES
PUBLIC WORKSfocus on:
$59 million
Pasco, Wash.’s, $59 million wastewater treatment plant project was a complete upgrade of the liquid and solid systems. Construction began in 2021 to expand the secondary treatment of liquids and replace equipment, including two aeration basins, new primary effluent structures, blower building expansion, demolition of the trickling filters and upgrading the outfall pipe.
Smart Surfaces Coalition launched a resource April 24 to help policymakers and community advocates shape plans for strengthening tree canopies to mitigate heat islands by up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as manage stormwater. The 16-page document includes policy options, ordinance language, resources and case studies. 7˚
Learn more at https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/ Smart-Cities-Coalition-resource-strengthen-tree-canopies-climateresilience/746486/?utm_source=marketingcloud&utm_medium=email&&utm_content=20250503_NL_Weekly&utm_term=New+policy+resource+helps+cities+finance+and +maintain+tree+canopies&utm_campaign=newsletter.
4 inches
A procedure adopted by the City-County Council of Indianapolis, Ind., in April means that next winter the Department of Public Works will plow all city streets when snow totals top 4 inches. Previously, the DPW had wide discretion in prioritizing when and which roads to plow, and when to call in contractors.
Read more about Pasco’s public works projects on page 32.
Read more about how drones are aiding Salem’s public works efforts on page 38.
San Pablo, Calif., moves toward a more vibrant city with sustainability practices
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
Recently the city of San Pablo, Calif., was recognized by the northern California chapter of the American Public Works Association for multiple sustainability projects with the Exceptional Performance in Sustainable Practices Award. These projects span a variety of efforts, including waste reduction, climate resilience, stormwater management and air quality improvements. One particular sustainability project, the Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets project, also won the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year and Project of the Year.
The Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets project helps to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and enhance safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. It boasts a
1.76-mile multimodal corridor with 32 bioswales, porous pavement, over 250 trees and full trash capture devices. It also included 3.4 miles of protected bike lanes, installation
ABOVE:The Rumrill Boulevard project was recognized by the northern California chapter of the American Public Works Association, winning the Small Cities Transportation Project of the Year and Project of the Year. San Pablo was also recognized with the Exceptional Performance in Sustainable Practices award. (Photos provided by the San Pablo, Calif., Public Works Department)
of new and improved pedestrian crossings and enhanced street lighting. The street design helped to reduce traffic speeds and improve multimodal access. Construction began in August 2021 and was completed in May 2024. In 2018 and 2019, the street had 145 collisions and 320 traffic citations. Since
the safety improvements were installed in 2023 and 2024, there have been only 50 collisions and 45 traffic citations as well as no fatalities.
Improvement for Rumrill Boulevard included protected bike lanes, street design changes, improved lighting, stormwater management, accessibility improvements and aesthetic improvements. The bike lanes provide cyclists with a safer space to travel separately from vehicle traffic. Pedestrian safety was increased with widened sidewalks and curb extensions along with the installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at crosswalks to increase visibility.
Some crosswalk lengths were also reduced, for example, from 119 feet down to 32 feet or 88 feet down to 46 feet. In order to calm traffic speeds, travel lanes were narrowed with curb extensions to encourage slower travel speeds.
Updates were included to make streets more accessible for people with disabilities, such as ADA-compliant ramps and handrails. New street lighting helped to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and improved visibility at crosswalks. Green infrastructure included bioretention systems, which help to filter out pollutants and reduce stormwater flowing into creeks. These choices improved water quality, stormwater runoff and flooding. Aesthetic improvements included trees and native plants as well as the removal of older, hazardous trees.
One of the greatest challenges facing the Rumrill Boulevard project was coordinating with utility companies between construction and ongoing work.
“This required precise coordination, flexible scheduling and real-time problem-solving to avoid disruption,” Allan Panganiban, public works director and city engineer, mentioned.
The COVID pandemic also created difficulties with soaring construction material prices and supply chain delays. Conflicts were also discovered during construction with underground utilities, causing the team to revise designs and adapt construction methods.
“In one instance, stormwater infrastructure had to be relocated to avoid an unanticipated utility line a solution that prevented delays and helped keep the project moving forward.” It was also a challenge to manage 10 funding sources with particular grant funding conditions and distribution of payment.
“The city has designated the southern portion of Rumrill Boulevard, the corridor between Brookside Drive and Costa Avenue, as a priority development area, a designation for areas that are near public transit and planned for new homes, jobs and community amenities,” Panganiban explained. “With a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation in conjunction with the Association of Bay Area Governments, the city of San Pablo has undertaken preparation of the Rumrill Corridor Plan to develop a shared vision for the corridor and to identify a variety of policy tools to guide its evolution. The corridor plan seeks to expand the range of housing choices available in the corridor and to improve environmental conditions and economic opportunities.”
Rumrill Boulevard is just one of many sustainability projects in the works. San Pablo is the first California city to have an all electric side-loading residential truck fleet, not including front-loading garbage trucks, which helps to reduce noise pollution and local emissions. The Butter Avenue Green Street project combined green efforts with flood mitigation. It helped to address a chronic flooding spot by treating runoff from over 23 acres with 8,500 feet of storm
The Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets project in San Pablo helps to enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists as well as reducing stormwater runoff and improving air quality. Construction on the project began in 2021 and was completed in May 2024.
San Pablo is moving toward an all-electric side-loading residential truck fleet, more green efforts to assist with flood mitigation and stormwater runoff throughout the city, various waste reduction programs, and a compliance credit system to help find more cost effective, large-scale stormwater treatment throughout the county.
drain pipe and 5,500 square feet of bioretention with Silva cells. A $1.6 million Regional Alternative Compliance system funded by the Environmental Protection Agency helped the city find cost effective, large-scale stormwater treatment throughout Contra Costa County with a compliance credit system. An $8 million polychlorinated biphenyls total maximum daily load implementation project funded by grants led the city to identify and reduce PCB pollution regionally near San Francisco Bay.
Another sustainability project recognized was San Pablo’s citywide waste reduction programs. These include free dump days, neighborhood litter programs, special creek abatement cleanups and illegal dumping enforcement. Neighborhood Champions is a community-driven program empowering residents to become more active in ensuring the city’s cleanliness and beauty.
Three local residents were chosen as neighborhood champion liaisons for the outreach campaign San Pablo Shines. The campaign focused on reducing litter and illegal dumping, increasing awareness of the city’s free waste disposal programs and inspiring residents to have pride in maintaining a vibrant city and revitalizing the old town. Champions were paid $2,000 over 12 months as part of the Caltrans Clean California local government program. These champions have achieved impressive results: over 3,500 gallons of trash removed by more than 100 volunteers, illegal dumping reporting training using the Reach San Pablo app, four tons of trash removed during mini-dumpster days, school partnerships, and identification of two new camera locations to deter illegal dumping.
“While San Pablo does not yet have a formal, standalone sustainability plan, the public works department operates under a long-term, integrated environmental strategy aligned with the city’s climate action plan, stormwater permit mandates and localized health equity concerns,” Panganiban stated. “The city also uses tools like the long-term trash plan and direct discharge trash control plan to guide ongoing implementation and compliance with sustainability metrics.”
The storm drain master plan was completed in 2018 and identified some of the flood-prone areas, which led to the Sutter project finalized in 2025 and some of the Rumrill improvements completed in 2024. In 2023, the RAC system received approval and its first compliance credit sale was scheduled for 2025. The PCBs TMDL project and all-electric garbage contract were both launched and approved in 2024.
“By adding protected bike lanes, safer pedestrian crossings and better lighting, the project has made it easier and safer for people to get around,” Panganiban described. “It’s now more convenient to walk or bike, reducing dependence on cars and improving air quality in the process. The redesigned street also helps foster economic development by making the area more attractive to visitors and businesses. Additionally, the improved stormwater infrastructure will help reduce flooding, which has been a persistent issue in the area.”
The city continues to advance its sustainability efforts through grant funding, community designs and inter-agency collaboration. This includes plans to expand the regional alternative compliance system countywide with its stormwater treatment capacity and first compliance sale credit in 2025. San Pablo also plans to coordinate with over 100 Bay area agencies to help implement the PCB monitoring and reduction system. The city’s new solid waste contract will help to support further water diversion and illegal dumping programs for events like Dumpster Days, dump voucher program, community outreach and education, and illegal dumping support. City operations continue to move forward toward electric power with additional EV charging infrastructure, a transition plan for all city vehicles and the adoption of zero emission landscaping tools.
In 2018 and 2019, Rumrill Boulevard had 145 collisions and 320 traffic citations. These numbers were reduced to 50 collisions and 45 traffic citations with zero fatalities in 2023 and 2024 after the safety features were installed. This helps to make the city a safer, more accessible and more vibrant community.
“The city’s approach is rooted in equity, resilience and community engagement,” Panganiban stressed. “By building infrastructure that addresses both climate adaptation and public health, San Pablo is not only responding to environmental burdens, it’s proactively building a more livable, sustainable future for all its residents.”
San Pablo plans to continue improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and creating more green spaces. There are two large roadway improvement projects funded by grants that will provide additional multi-modal corridors throughout the city. A new 4.8acre park project and a bridge replacement project are also in the works.
San Pablo Public Works Department is honored to have been recognized with awards. “Winning these awards is an incredible honor for the city and truly validates the efforts put into the Rumrill Boulevard Complete Streets project,” Panganiban stated. “These recognitions reflect not just the technical expertise and hard work of the team but also the spirit of collaboration with the community, local businesses and partners throughout the project. It’s a testament to how innovation, sustainability and inclusivity can come together to transform public spaces for the better.”
These projects were possible with the support from city council, city management and residents.
“On a personal level, it’s absolutely exciting to see the city being recognized on both state and national levels. While the accolades are rewarding, the real pride comes from knowing that our residents, cyclists, pedestrians and everyone who uses Rumrill Boulevard now has a safer, more accessible and vibrant place to move through the community,” Panganiban said. “Additionally these recognitions help elevate San Pablo’s profile as a leader in thoughtful urban planning and transportation innovation. They show that our community’s vision is on the cutting edge and that can open up exciting doors for future funding and projects. I hope that San Pablo would be an example of what can be achieved with dedicated planning and community engagement, which we hope will inspire other cities to pursue similar goals and approaches.” ,
Some safety changes have been decreasing crosswalk lengths, widening sidewalks and curb extensions and installing rapid flashing beacons at crosswalks. Green infrastructure was also added, such as biorentions, native plants and trees.
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Shreveport, La., Public Works Department reaches out to the next generation with career pop-ups
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
In order to educate children about careers in public works, the city of Shreveport, La., is reaching out to local schools. The goal is to encourage students to look at all the opportunities available to them, with or without a college degree, and inform them of the opportunities available within the city government, particularly within the public works department.
Teaching students about these city careers helps the city, community and the students.
“We launched this initiative because we saw a gap between students graduating high school and understanding the opportunities available to them,” Jarvis Morgan, director of public works, explained. “Especially those that don’t require a four-year degree. Public works is full of meaningful, well-paying careers that build and sustain our community. Reaching out to high school students is
important not just to strengthen our future workforce, but to also give students direction, purpose and a sense of pride in serving the city they live in. For the department, it’s about preparing the next generation of skilled workers. For the community, it’s about seeing more young people stay, grow and contribute right here in Shreveport.”
In order to connect with these students, the public works department chose to do a career pop-up event at a local high school.
ABOVE: Shreveport, La., Public Works Department held a career pop-up event at Woodlawn High School. The goal was to both prepare the next generation of workers and give back to the community by showing them professionals that help the city and come from the same neighborhoods they are from. (Photo provided by the Shreveport, La., Public Works Department)
The idea for the event came from Morgan and some brainstorming within his department.
“Honestly, it started from a personal place,” he said. “I wanted to give back to the community I grew up in. I know how important it is for young people to see successful professionals who look like them and came from the same neighborhoods. From there, we started brainstorming how to make public
For the pop-up career event, team employees from various divisions, such as solid waste, traffic engineering and streets and drainage, were present to provide information to students and answer questions. There were also interactive displays with public works equipment and gear. The main focus was on connecting with the students one-on-one. (Photo provided by the Shreveport, La., Public Works Department)
works more visible to youth and the idea of bringing careers to the students just made sense.” The idea helps students feel more connected to city officials and the city as a whole.
The first career pop-up event was held at Woodlawn High School. Here, the department set up interactive displays with some of the department’s equipment, handed out informational materials about various job roles and had team employees from various divisions, such as solid waste, traffic engineering and streets and drainage, there to talk with students and answer questions.
“The pop-up at Woodlawn was a great success,” Morgan described. “We didn’t do formal speeches; instead, we focused on real conversations. Students asked questions, tried on safety gear and got a real look at the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the city running.”
The event received an even greater response than expected. Many students were engaged, and both surprised and excited to learn of the vast array of career paths that existed simply within the public works department. Students even asked questions about potential internships and summer job opportunities.
“It showed us that there’s a real interest,” Morgan emphasized. “We just have to do a better job of reaching them. The biggest strength was the personal engagement. It’s one thing to hear about a job. It’s another to shake hands with someone who does it every day.”
The greatest challenge in setting up the pop-up was coordinating schedules with department employees and the school, getting equipment to the campus and making sure the employees were communicating with the students at a level they could understand and relate to.
With the success of the Woodlawn pop-up, more pop-ups are on the way. Visits to Booker T. Washington, Huntington and Green Oaks schools are being planned. These career pop-ups will follow the same model as the first one, with a few possible changes based on feedback. Feedback included the addition of more hands-on demonstrations to
Future considerations for students include internships and job shadowing opportunities. The city is planning to create a short video series highlighting a day in the life of various team members in the public works department. (Photo provided by the Shreveport, La., Public Works Department)
Further career pop-ups are planned at three other schools throughout the city. The public works department received feedback from the first event and plans to try to include more hands-on demonstrations from city employees as well as testimonials from younger employees who are more relatable to high school students. (Photo provided by the Shreveport, La., Public Works Department)
see what a career is like as well as testimonials from younger employees that may connect more with the students.
Ideas for future ways to encourage students to consider the opportunities available within the public works department are underway. These include the creation of internships and job shadowing opportunities, partnering with local trade programs, and launching a short video series, which would highlight a day in the life of various team members. The long-term goal is to create a formal pipeline program between city employment departments and local schools.
Fort Wayne, Ind., pioneers electric vehicle infrastructure
By LAUREN CAGGIANO | The Municipal
The city of Fort Wayne, Ind., has taken bold steps towards a more sustainable future by adopting electric vehicle infrastructure as a core component of its urban development strategy. Starting in 2020, the city installed EV charging stations across multiple locations. This initiative aims to support residents, attract businesses and empower a more eco-conscious community.
According to the city of Fort Wayne’s Director of Public Works Shan Gunawardena, a $90,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management through
funds tied to Volkswagen’s emissions violation settlement bolstered the city’s EV infrastructure expansion. These funds are earmarked to support projects that reduce
ABOVE: The charging stations are part of a multitier EV infrastructure project that encourages the adoption of electric vehicles. (Photo provided by Fort Wayne, Ind.)
environmental impact, such as fleet electrification and EV charging stations.
“While the monetary value of the grant was modest, the goal was to raise visibility and make a significant regional impact,” Gunawardena said.
The grant allowed Fort Wayne to install EV chargers at 10 heavily trafficked
additional fees after two, four or eight hours to encourage drivers to move their vehicles once charging is complete.
locations, including city parks, libraries and retail centers. This first phase led to the deployment of 27 chargers, with an additional 10 units installed later at five new locations. The nonprofit Greater Indiana Clean Cities Inc. coordinated with the city to identify potential charging sites, assess identified site needs and write the city’s grant application.
Per Gunawardena, with the nonprofit’s consultation, the city strategically selected locations near major highways and hightraffic zones to ensure accessibility for residents and visitors alike. These chargers provide up to 50 miles of range in two hours, making them perfect for short stops at shopping malls, movie theaters and grocery stores.
“The placement ensures that EV owners can seamlessly incorporate charging into their daily activities,” Gunawardena said. “We’re not trying to change how people live or mandate electric vehicle use; we’re just creating an environment where those who drive EVs can easily charge them.”
The city’s standard rate is $0.30 per kWh (kilowatt hour), with a max of $20 per charging session. Some stations apply
Speaking of drivers, in 2022, Indiana had 108,888 registered EV and gas hybrid vehicles. This number represented 1.68 % of total registered vehicles. The state reported 15,949 all-electric vehicles, or 0.25% of total registered vehicles. Between 2018 and 2023, Allen County had the third-largest number of registered electric and gas hybrid vehicles in Indiana, trailing behind Marion and Hamilton counties. Between 2018 and 2023, Allen County saw an increase from 0.05% to 0.35%.
So far, the results related to EV charger usage have been promising. An increase in demand has not only validated the city’s investment but also inspired local businesses to install their own EV chargers.
“We’ve seen the private sector follow suit, which strengthens the overall infrastructure and encourages green mobility across Fort Wayne,” Gunawardena said.
Since implementation, the EV stations have prevented 43 tons of CO2 emissions, saved 4,400 gallons of gasoline and reduced the consumption of 94 barrels of oil, according to the city’s website. Gunawardena contends that this not only highlights the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also sends a clear message that the northeast Indiana
city is ready to welcome new residents and businesses who prioritize sustainability.
However, Gunawardena is quick to point out that the city is not in the business of influencing public opinion or even changing behavior. It’s simply making a resource available for those who have a need.
“People will use it if it’s convenient, but it’s not about dictating policy,” he said. “We aim to support the growing demands of EV users and remove infrastructure barriers.”
The EV initiative is just one way the city is forward-thinking. Gunawardena said Fort Wayne’s public works department is also rethinking urban spaces holistically, integrating green infrastructure and public art into road projects to improve quality of life. Specifically, that means adding landscaping, trails and rainwater infiltration systems to combat flooding in a community situated on the confluence of three rivers.
“We’ve shifted from simply paving roads to creating spaces that people want to live, work and invest in,” Gunawardena said.
In the larger context, Gunawardena makes the case that Fort Wayne’s progressive approach to EV infrastructure and public works highlights the potential of smart planning and sustainable practices. These efforts deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
Director of Public Works Shan Gunawardena was named the 2020 Public Works Leader of the Year for the American Public Works Association (APWA) Indiana Chapter. (Photo provided by Fort Wayne, Ind.)
There could be 35 million EVs on the roads by 2030. (Photo provided by Fort Wayne, Ind.)
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Pasco, Wash., and its multiple public works projects gain national recognition
By DENISE FEDOROW | The Municipal
Pasco, Wash., Public Works Department has had a busy couple of years with projects in water, wastewater and streets, and it has received national and state recognition for a couple of its projects.
Director of Public Works Maria Serra shared the projects the department has been working on. Serra took over as director last May but was interim director since December 2023. Prior to that, she worked in the city’s engineering division as manager where she was involved with many of these public works projects over the last 11 years.
The wastewater treatment plant project was a complete upgrade of the liquid and solid systems, completed in two phases. The facility was built in the 1940s, but this wasn’t the first expansion of the facility. Phase one started the design phase in 2019, and construction began in 2021 to expand the secondary treatment of liquids and replace equipment, including two aeration basins, new primary effluent structures, blower building expansion, demolition of the trickling filters and upgrading the outfall pipe.
Serra said, “We were expanding at the same time that some of the equipment was at the end of its life cycle.”
Phase one was completed in 2023. “At the same time we were in construction for phase one, we were in the design phase of phase two in 2021,” she related.
Phase two dealt with solids thickening and de-watering of solids, UV treatment and extending the outfall pipe. Phase two construction began in 2024 and will be completed at the end of this year. All the wastewater treatment plant improvements occurred while they were still operating.
“It felt like an once-in-a-lifetime project,” she said.
Most of the funding for the $59 million project came from the Department of Ecology in several low-interest loans, some of which had forgivable loan components, which saved millions of dollars over the life of the improvements.
Another project was an innovative new elevated water tank in West Pasco. Serra said the tank holds 3 1/2 million gallons of potable water.
“It’s the biggest tank you can have elevated that stores potable water,” she said.
It works on peak demand in the summer evenings where there is a lot of use. The water is treated overnight and during the day and released during peak hours. She said the tank serves the highest-pressure zone in zone three, and when demand is not needed for zone three, it goes to the lower elevations of zone two and one. The $19 million project was partially funded with low-interest loans through the state of Washington’s
The West Pasco Water Reservoir is the largest volume elevated tank in Pasco and marked the city’s first time using the Progressive, Design, Build method of procurement. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
public works board and local funds. The project began in 2021, and construction took place in 2022. Since the department was working on the water treatment plant, the new elevated tank wasn’t put into service until this year, making this the first summer it will be used.
This was also the city’s first progressive, design, build project it has done. It was approved by the state, and the city sent out requests for qualifications. A design-construction team was selected based on scoring, not a low bid selection.
“Cost is a component, but not the only one,” she explained.
She said it’s progressive because it takes one step at a time, but you don’t have to have all the design work for the entire project completed before construction starts. Serra stated this method avoids having change orders later.
“It helps save time and money, and that was true in our project,” she said. “I had a little bit of reservations about it, but it was a good process overall.”
She said it required approval from a state board that allows alternative procurement methods.
Process water reuse facility
Serra said the process water reuse facility is a unique facility that serves industrial food processing plants. Pasco has a lot of food processing plants, which process potatoes, apples, peppers, corn, peas all sorts of vegetables. These plants have wastewater but it’s not sewer; it’s water leftover from washing, cooking or blanching the vegetables.
“They have a big volume effluent we call it industrial wastewater or industrial water,” she said.
About 30 years ago in the mid-1990s, Pasco needed economic development, so it constructed the process water reuse facility so the food processing plants didn’t have to deal with the industrial water they could just send it to the city. Pasco is now serving seven food processing plants. As a hub for agricultural products and with the growth of volume and number of food processing plants, Pasco saw a need to expand the 30-year-old facility.
She said the city generally takes the wastewater and pre-treats it so it’s cleaner. The water is land-applied to 16 fields owned by the city and leased to farmers for crops. By the time the water reaches the groundwater, it’s clean, according to Serra.
Once the need to improve the facility was identified, the city partnered with a private party Burnham. Burnham performs biological treatment and generates renewable natural gas (RNG) and algae, turning byproducts of the treatment process into resources that can be sold. It built digesters to treat the wastewater to remove BOD and the next step is to grow algae. They have algae belts that move in and out of the wastewater in large greenhouses to take some of the nitrogen out of the water. The city contracted the project in 2022 and just put it in operation the end of 2024.
Serra shared that because of the innovative technology used and the attention the project has attracted, they’ve received lots of federal and state funding. Over the last decade, the PWRF has received over $80 million in external funding, “demonstrating strong support from state and federal partners who recognize the facility’s vital role in sustainable water management, industrial growth and environmental stewardship.”
“Federal support included awards from the EDA and the HAEIFAC (Hanford Area Economic Investment Fund Advisory Committee), as well as earmarked funds crucial to our progress. At the state level, the
Pasco’s process water reuse facility takes industrial wastewater from the city’s food processing plants. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
Pasco partnered with a private company to improve and add on to the facility, which received national recognition. Pictured are the holding ponds at the city of Pasco’s process water reuse facility. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), public works board and the state revolving fund through the ( Department of) Ecology have been instrumental, along with direct state appropriations that have bolstered our initiatives,” Serra shared in an email, adding that local Franklin County Economic Development Funds were used, too. She shared the Burnhams’ biological treatment process, which had a price tag of $148 million, received funding of $4.4 million from
the Community Project Funding through Housing and Urban Development sponsored by Representative Dan Newhouse $5 million from CERB, awarded through a competitive process and $5.05 million from Washington State Direct Appropriations administered via Washington Department of Commerce, supported by a legislative recommendation and agreement.
Along with the above improvements to the PWRF, the city also increased the winter storage ponds capacity. She said Pasco can land apply the water when there are crops in the fields but in the winter when crops are not growing, it needs to store the wastewater. It added storage for an additional 330 million gallons. Previously, the city had storage ponds for 150 million gallons.
“So, we tripled our capacity,” she said.
The two projects were constructed side-by-side. The winter pond storage was a $48 million project, fully funded through the Washington State Clean Water state revolving fund, administered through the Washington State Department of Ecology.
“We are immensely grateful for the support from all of our partners, which has been vital for the success and continuation of these transformative projects,” she said.
Recognition
In addition to receiving funding, two of the above-mentioned projects also received national and state recognition awards the municipal wastewater treatment plant and the process water reuse facility project. For the municipal wastewater treatment plant, the Wastewater Digest annually selects five projects nationally and Pasco took two of those spots last year. It was recognized based on the complexity of the project, the innovation and super tight timeline. The project was ongoing during COVID with all the restrictions, creating delays, but workers got it done in 10 months.
“It was delivered in an incredible timeline, and it was so needed,” she said.
Pasco also received state awards, including Project of the Year for 2024 from the American Public Works Association Washington Chapter and also Project of the Year from the Association of General Contractors.
“The process water reuse facility is an unusual project with cuttingedge technology that shows how you can generate value for wastewater by-products,” Serra said.
The PWRF project also received several federal and state recognitions.
Transportation projects
Pasco also had several transportation or street projects ongoing or completed in the last couple of years, including the Lewis Street Overpass Project.
“That was a historical project for the city of Pasco,” she said.
The city built a bridge crossing over the BNSF railroad crossings, one of the busiest railways in the city. The 625-foot bridge joins Second Avenue on the west to Oregon Avenue on the east and connects access to downtown. Originally, there was a tunnel an underpass that was built in the 1930s.
Serra said, “It outlived its useful life, and no longer served the needs. It was not ADA compliant, was too narrow for bigger vehicles and the clearance wasn’t adequate for busses or delivery trucks.”
The tunnel also had a history of segregation, dividing different parts of the population. Access to the tunnel was limited to one area for
The city of Pasco, Wash., created this roundabout at the Broadmoor Boulevard exit of the I-182 interstate to keep traffic moving in an area that had experienced delays. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
This loop was created at the city of Pasco’s Broadmoor Boulevard exit of the I-182 interstate to relieve traffic delays. This project was funded using TIF funds because of the future development planned for the area. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
African Americans. “It had some historical cultural connotations that were not positive,” she said.
So, the tunnel was filled in at the same time the bridge was being built. The bridge has decorative railings that are consistent with other downtown improvements to create a signature look. Serra said this project was in the works for 20 years, and by the time she was in her position, the city had a solid design in place. Pasco had a very strong fundraiser for the design portion of the project and right-of-way acquisitions, and the construction was funded through state grants through Connecting Washington and the Transportation Improvement Board in the amount of $26 million for the $36 million project. The project began in 2021 and was substantially completed and opened to traffic in 2023. The Lewis Street Overpass is a vehicle, bike and pedestrian friendly bridge. There are still some punch list items to complete.
I-182 Broadmoor Boulevard project
Interstate 182 crosses Pasco and has several exits within the city limits, and the westerly exit ramp on Broadmoor Boulevard was experiencing delays in an area with a lot of residential and commercial development
planned. Serra said the city evaluated the traffic flow and determined a need for improvements. The project added a new loop that leads exiting freeway traffic to a roundabout at the top, which alleviates traffic stopping. This $11 million project was funded through Tax Increment Financing, which Serra said was “a new funding mechanism allowed for in the state.”
Since the area was designated as a future development area, the city is investing dollars to make the area developable and, as property values increase, a portion comes back to the city for repayment of that investment.
“There’s no impact on exiting residents or taxpayers,” Serra said, adding the people who have driven the road improvements have been happy with them.
There are about $40 million of investments in different transportation infrastructure projects planned in that area and Serra just received confirmation that a regional aquatic facility will be located there.
“It’s helping us achieve some goals and create amenities the city needs,” she said.
Sylvester Street safety improvements
Sylvester Street extends east to west across the city, encompassing residential neighborhoods, commercial sites, schools and access to downtown and medical facilities.
“It’s a long corridor and has had a history of crashes and fatalities. It was a four-lane road with two lanes in each direction and when people had to make a left turn, it caused a lot of crashes,” she said, noting this project was funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
The project cost $5 million. Pasco reconfigured the road, so it is one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. It has incorporated either a bike lane on one portion or a multiuse path on another portion of the road while also adding sidewalks.
“We converted something that was unsafe into a slower speed and (made it) safer for all modes of transportation. We installed pedestrian crossings activated by a push button and flashing beacons in specific locations where we identified a high volume of pedestrian and bike crossings in residential areas and by Riverside Park.”
The project began in 2021 with fundraising and design work; construction happened in 2023-2024 and was just completed earlier this year.
“The project has had some loud opposition from neighbors,” she said. However, it has given children a safer place to walk and wait for busses and is ADA compliant, giving people with disabilities the ability to access public transportation.
“In my opinion, it’s been a very successful project, but there has been some opposition,” she admitted.
Current/future projects
Serra said Pasco has a “very ambitious six-year plan” with about 60 projects planned. She highlighted a few of those for The Municipal.
The Butterfield Water Treatment Plant is the oldest water treatment plant in operation since the 1940s and “has exceeded the anticipated time to be operational. This will be a huge investment of about $200 million to $260 million in the next 10 years.”
The project is currently in the early stages of fundraising and Pasco is applying for Department of Health low-interest loans for the first phase of improvements.
The city of Pasco, Wash.’s, wastewater treatment plant project started during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing work to continue with certain restrictions. (Photo provided by Pasco, Wash.)
The irrigation pump station will provide irrigation water, so less potable water is used. Currently, Pasco relies on wells and the river for irrigation. This project will be funded entirely by local funds.
The Sylvester Street Corridor-US 395 project will update an existing bridge that currently has no space for pedestrians and bicycles. The city will add a pedestrian and bike lane connecting the east-west side. “We’re bridging the gap, as they say,” Serra said with a laugh. Pasco also plans to add a pedestrian/bike lane next to Broadmoor Boulevard.
A huge overpass is also planned for Route 76, a local network bridge over I-182, which she said will be a vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle friendly bridge.
Overcoming Challenges
“Every project has hiccups and wrinkles. The municipal wastewater treatment plant with the restrictions of COVID and an unprecedented timeline there was a lot of unprecedented things happening but it’s important to recognize once you set the path and know what the goal is whether that’s providing safer travel or utility goals take the challenges as they come and collaborate with others to find solutions,” Serra said.
Serra shared a piece of advice she learned from her predecessor, who told her: “You’ll never start a project if you wait until you know everything or you have the assurance that nothing will go wrong, so when you’ve done your due diligence, it’s time to move and take the challenges as they come.”
She encouraged others to reach out to their stakeholders funding agencies and oversight agencies as they have the staff and resources to help municipalities troubleshoot, get an action plan or find funding for their projects.
“You’re never alone,” she said. “Public works as a whole is a big community of people who have a vocation to help and serve, so reach out to your peers, and sometimes, thinking outside the box is the only answer.”
By DANIELLE LUND | The Municipal
When a devastating ice storm hit Salem, Ore., in February 2021, the city’s public works department didn’t rely solely on their boots being on the ground. Instead, it launched drones into the sky. These small, agile aircraft provided a sweeping aerial view of the storm’s aftermath, allowing the city to assess damage efficiently and safely.
“We were able to document the damage both before and after the cleanup,” said Nitin Joshi, environmental and operations technology manager for Salem. “That aerial documentation helped with our response strategy and accurate FEMA filings. It was a game changer.”
Since 2018, Salem has run a drone-as-a-service program. What started as a spark of curiosity has grown into a city-run operation with licensed pilots, integrated software and real-time applications across emergency response, environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning.
The idea took root in 2017, after the public works team attended a conference on municipal drone use. Inspired by other cities, Salem launched a yearlong research effort, learning from early adopters in Washington and beyond.
“We didn’t want to fly drones just because we could,” Joshi said. “We wanted to make sure it served a public-focused role with real strategic value.”
The city’s research examined costs, drone models, training, FAA regulations and how to integrate drones with existing city systems. A key decision was to house the program within public works instead of with law enforcement, prioritizing transparency and public trust.
“It was important to us that this stayed a public-serving function,” Joshi added. “The value was in emergency assessments, infrastructure inspections and environmental data, not law enforcement.”
Today, Salem operates four active drones. DJI Mini Pro 3s handle light mapping and promotional tasks, while more robust DJI Phantom models manage inspections and data collection. Twelve licensed drone pilots, mostly from the city’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, run operations.
“GIS is the perfect home for this,” said James Fuing, public works geospatial technology supervisor. “We’re already managing spatial data. Integrating drone imagery adds incredible value.”
City staff must undergo rigorous training, including coursework, observation and passing the FAA Part 107 certification. Salem reimburses test fees and supports ongoing training.
“This isn’t a hobby,” Fuing emphasized. “It’s about understanding airspace, coordinating with airports and being extremely aware of surroundings. We take this very seriously.”
Drones have been especially valuable during emergencies. In 2021, they helped assess widespread tree damage and road blockages from the ice storm without putting any staff at risk.
“Having real-time aerial data is invaluable to us,” Joshi said. “It’s not just flying over the damage and taking a few pictures. It’s more about visualizing, measuring and acting on it quickly.”
Drones were also crucial in evaluating a landslide on River Road, a geologically unstable area. “We needed to get eyes on the slide to understand the impact,” said Fuing. “It helped us not just
Before using drones, city staff must undergo rigorous training, including coursework, observation and passing the FAA Part 107 certification. (Photo provided by Salem, Ore.)
Salem, Ore.’s, drone program is housed in its Geographic Information Systems team. (Photo provided by Salem, Ore.)
respond, but think through future planning and safer design from homes being built in or near those areas.”
Beyond crises, Salem uses drones to monitor environmental health, especially along the Willamette River. The city tracks invasive species, like Ludwigia, which can choke waterways and harm ecosystems.
“We use orthomosaic imagery to track vegetation changes over time,” Fuing explained. “That helps us assess growth patterns and refine our mitigation efforts.”
This data also supports grant applications, regulatory reports and public education about Salem’s environmental protection work.
In one recent initiative requested by the mayor of Salem, the GIS team flew drones over all 90 of the city parks, capturing high-resolution video and photos. The visuals were used for promotional materials and community outreach, offering residents new perspectives on familiar places and showcasing lesser-known parks.
“We did 90 parks in 90 days,” Joshi said proudly. “We dodged a lot of rain, but we pulled it off.”
The program’s next frontier includes 3-D modeling and infrastructure planning. Currently, the team is preparing a $16 million grant application to improve a remote water treatment plant. Using drone footage and GIS tools, they’re creating detailed 3D mesh models to show current conditions and future scenarios.
“We’re illustrating how nature changes over time and impacts the plant,” Joshi said. “This is no longer just about documentation, it’s about planning and design.”
Despite the program’s success, both Joshi and Fuing caution that such efforts require significant planning, resources and community consideration.
“It’s easy to get excited about the tech,” Joshi said. “But it takes time, training, regulatory navigation and maintenance.”
Flight operations often require coordination with the local airport and careful attention to public perception.
“You can’t just fly a drone whenever you want,” Joshi emphasized. “Everything must be planned.”
Still, they believe Salem’s journey offers a valuable roadmap.
“If we can do it, with a small team and a big idea, any city can,” Joshi said. “But it takes intentionality. That’s what makes the difference between a flashy toy and a transformative tool.”
By grounding drone use in purpose and public service, Salem has enhanced efficiency and deepened its connection with the community. As more cities explore drone technology, Salem’s example shows how innovation can truly reshape local government.
Salem, Ore.’s, public works uses drones to capture bird’s-eyes views of storm damage, invasive plants and city assets. (Photo provided by Salem, Ore.)
UAV crew members wear high-visibility vests while on the job. (Photo provided by Salem, Ore.)
Salem works closely with its local airport before launching drones. (Photo provided by Salem, Ore.)
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Goleta, Calif.: a fragrant and tasty destination
By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal
The city of Goleta — which means “schooner,” or “small ship” in Spanish — got its name because of the schooners that stopped in the harbor to drop off goods and pick up hides.
Goleta, Calif.’s, flag nods to the city’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty. The city is home to the Coronado Butterfly Preserve and the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove, so it’s not surprising to see a butterfly present. (Dromara/Shutterstock.com)
Just nine miles north of Santa Barbara, Calif., it’s not one of the state’s bigger towns: The 2023 population was 32,665. But Goleta has a rich and diverse history that offers something of intrigue for everyone.
Two tranquil local attractions are all about butterflies, because monarchs migrate to California November through February. The Coronado Butterfly Preserve and the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove are located near each other. The Coronado site is 9.3 acres and naturally landscaped, featuring native coastal sage and eucalyptus. The Goleta site, also known as the Ellwood Main Monarch Aggregation Site, is larger 137 acres and is known for a significant population of Monarchs during the winter months.
ABOVE: Pictured are California-native Matilija poppy flowers in the coastal area of Goleta. (Alex Krassel/Shutterstock.com)
Best of all, there are no admission fees. As many as 1,000 visitors attend per weekend of the butterfly season.
Other outdoor attractions in Goleta include LeCumbre Peak, Lizard’s Mouth Rock and the Moreton Bay fig tree, which is the largest Ficus macrophylla in the United States. There’s more to the tree than just being big, though. There’s a plaque at the base which tells the story: A seaman visiting Santa Barbara in 1876 gave a fig tree seedling to a local girl. She planted it, and when she moved away a year later a friend transplanted it to a different location.
The tree was designated as a historic landmark in 1970, and it is so big that no directions to find it are necessary. It’s hard to miss: Its total height is 80 feet.
Another setting of natural beauty that is open to visitors would be the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. It has almost 80 acres of
Gaviota State Park in Goleta, Calif., presents itself as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean and features seasonal camping near a secluded sandy beach. (Aldo Roldan/Shutterstock.com)
native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. More than a simple garden, it is considered a living museum, dedicated to research, education and conservation of California native plants.
For those who prefer museums, there are plenty to choose from in Goleta. There is the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, the Carriage and Western Art Museum, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the South Coast Railroad Museum. There are also landmarks such as the Reagan Ranch Center and the Rancho La Patera and Stow House, a beautiful historical Gothic Victorian home that once served as headquarters of the original Rancho La Goleta.
There is plenty to do for children, too; how about Kids World, which is described as the mother of all playgrounds, in Santa Barbara? The 8,000 square feet of fun contains castles, swings, slides, whales to sit on and sharks to climb over. There’s also a special enclosed section to keep toddlers safe and stadium seating from which parents can watch.
The Santa Barbara Zoo has more than 200 species, and it’s special too; the staff aims to maintain genetic diversity, sustaining and guarding against extinction.
If the kids are interested in a wholly different experience, take them to the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation, or MOXI. It has seven themed areas: technology, sound, natural forces (such as gravity and magnetism), speed, light, media and a rooftop garden. Time spent here is meant to inspire the future and help children learn through interactive experiences.
Consider checking out the Shipwreck Playground or maybe Wallis Park, whose merry-go-rounds and swings, bank shot basketball, bocce and chess are meant for adults and children alike to enjoy. It even has a piñata pole.
At Sunny Fields Park, children can experience a gingerbread house, a puppet theater and a Viking ship. There’s kayak rental available, and
skateboarding is OK in designated spaces. There are also opportunities for camping.
But above all, Goleta is particularly known for lemons and avocados. The two fruits were initially brought to California in the late 18th century. Sherman Patterson Stow planted the first known commercial lemon orchard in 1875, incorporating new varieties such as thorn-free Eurekas and Lisbon lemons. In 1881, Stow sold his lemons at 90 cents for 70 pounds.
Lemon acreage in Goleta increased greatly in the 1930s. By 1936, the first packing and storage plant employed as many as 350 workers during peak season. By 1951, when a new plant was built to replace that original one that had been destroyed by fire the year before, it was the largest lemon processing facility in the world at 182,000 square feet of floor space.
Agricultural history and pride are well-reflected in the Goleta Lemon Association brand labels: Goleta and San Marcos were top quality, La Patera was extra choice, Schooner, Channel and Arboleda were choice and Estero was standard.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Goleta has hosted a lemon festival every year since 1991. This year it will be held Sept. 27-28. Featuring free parking and admission, the festival, which takes place at the Santa Barbara Airport, offers a Kids Zone complete with wristband for all-day carnival rides and plenty of free activities: bungee, bounce houses, rock walls, slot cars, miniature golf and an interactive castle, to name just a few. There’s also Safety Street, where kids can meet Santa Barbara first responders, climb into a firetruck, sit in the driver’s seat of a police car, check out an ambulance and pet police dogs. If that’s not exciting enough, there’s a Jaws of Life rescue demonstration during which a crashed car is torn apart.
Local artists perform on the Riviera Bank Main Stage both days; come prepared to dance. And each day at noon there is a pie eating contest — lemon pie, of course. Saturday offers a classic car show.
One can often see lemon and avocado groves side by side in Goleta. Ellwood Ranch grows approximately 100 acres of avocados, and Rancho La Paloma is a certified organic avocado farm selling not only avocados but boxed trees.
The sunny climate lends itself as well to avocado production as well as lemons. And yes, there is an annual Avocado Festival, too, in nearby Carpinteria.
After enjoying lemons and avocados, visitors can tour the wineries: Au Bon Climat, Silver Wines, Andrew Murray Vineyards, Barbieri Wine Company, Beckmen Vineyards, Bedford Winery, Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills, Blackjack Ranch Vineyards, Brander Vineyard, Buttonwood Winery and Cambria Estate Winery. The list seems endless, and every vintage is delicious. And there is every kind of food imaginable at local restaurants: mesquite barbecued chicken at the Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, pizza and more at Ca’ Dario, as well as coffee, desserts, deli sandwiches, smoothies, hot dogs, sushi and more.
Ten different art galleries await both residents and visitors alike. Goleta has shopping and spas, libraries, movie theaters and performing arts venues, too. There’s the Chumash Painted Cave, with centuries old Native American artwork. There are Depot Days, which celebrate the time the train station was saved from being demolished, and a holiday parade and the Stow House Holiday celebration
People make use of the Goleta beach shore. (Cassiohabib/Shutterstock.com)
at Rancho La Patera, where the kids can see Santa and his goats. That’s right: not reindeer, but goats.
To wrap it all up, Goleta has so much to offer that visitors may decide not just to tour, but to stay.
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New tower helps Jefferson City prepare for all fire emergencies
By JENNIFER BARTON | The Municipal
Running headlong into a burning building is not something a person can do haphazardly. It takes training, training and more training for a firefighter to have the skills and composure to face situations that require quick response time.
Training under real-world conditions is crucial to shave seconds that could mean the difference between life and death, both for the person in distress as well as for the firefighter. To prepare their first responders, the Jefferson City, Mo., Fire Department recently christened a new fire-training facility.
Ryan Back is a 14-year veteran of the JCFD and was promoted from captain to division chief of training in February. He spoke about how the new facility replaced an old training tower that had been built in 1993 and decommissioned 10 years ago.
“It served the department well, but it was time for an update, an increase in capabilities. The new structure is designed to accommodate more complex training scenarios and some of our evolving fire service needs,” he said.
At a height of 53 feet, 15 feet taller than the previous tower, with two additional floors and multiple entrances and exits, the JCFD can utilize the tower for training on its two aerial trucks in case of high-rise fires. Additionally, it boasts two class-A and one class-B burn rooms.
The burn rooms are engineered spaces designed with fireproofing panels to contain live-fire drills. Class-A burn rooms house materialfed fires from fescue, pallets, etc., while class-B ones are propane-fed and can be reset much more quickly.
The rooms have built-in safety features like sprinklers, ventilation systems and pyrometers to shut down a scenario if the blaze reaches a certain temperature. They are also NFPA 1403 compliant. All of the rooms’ features allow for numerous training scenarios, including rope rescues.
The different aspects of training are important because, as Back stated, “Repetition is the key to learning new skills.”
More than that, though, he said, “No structure that we go in and perform emergency services is the same. So it’s important for us to have the ability to change our scenarios, modify entrances, give different points of view and just prepare our guys better for different situations they may encounter during emergencies.”
The project began before Back became division chief and was a two-year process with a cost of $1.79 million. Originally, the city looked to repair the faulty tower, but with a reconstruction cost of over $1 million, leadership decided to simply look at rebuilding.
Funding came from both city and county resources. Part of it also came from American Rescue Plan Act funds remaining from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a height of 53 feet, a new fire-training facility allows the Jefferson City, Mo., Fire Department to train on its two aerial trucks.
(Photo provided by Jefferson City Fire Department)
The training tower officially opened last October and has already hosted a department-wide live burn training session — three days, with six or seven evolutions per day. Since then, the burn building has been utilized every day by individual companies. Local fire departments and law enforcement personnel can reserve the tower through a calendar system.
Back commented on the atmosphere in the department regarding the facility.
“After the first training, there was a lot of positivity; they were happy to get back into it. They’re hungry for more training, more realistic scenarios.”
Jefferson City is home to five fire stations, seven frontline companies and 75 personnel. All the men and women who put their lives on the line must be prepared daily for any crisis situation that may come up.
In the time between the decommissioning of the previous tower and the opening of the new one, the department had to improvise training practices with Conex containers and simulated fires. The new tower gives a more accurate representation of what firefighters may face.
“We want to give them the most realistic training to adequately prepare them for situations they may encounter on the street,” Back said.
The fire tower doesn’t only impact the Jefferson City Fire Department. Back calls it a “regional asset” to the surrounding communities as well, providing access to training that county departments could not afford on their own. “We’re proud to offer that.”
With a population of around 44,000 and a daily working population around 100,000, Missouri’s capital city fields roughly 5,000 emergency calls each year. Most of these are EMS-based, Back stated, but when fires break out in the city, his department must be ready to answer the call.
“The time to test our skills is not at that moment. We want to test our skills on the training ground. To know what level we’re at mentally, for our guys, is a big victory,” Back said.
A firefighter trains at the new burn building in Jefferson City. (Photo provided by Jefferson City Fire Department)
The burn rooms are engineered spaces designed with fireproofing panels to contain live-fire drills. (Photo provided by Jefferson City Fire Department)
By ANDREW DUGAN | The Municipal
Heavy equipment moves a
The city of Chino Hills, in southern California, factors water into every decision. Whether it’s managing growth or landscaping parks, the ethos is conservation first. The city actively partners with its drinking water wholesaler to entice its 82,000 residents to participate in domestic water efficiency incentives such as turf removal, low-flow washer rebates and sprinkler tune-up programs to reduce their water consumption.
This commitment to conservation has been tremendously successful. In fact, the city decreased its overall potable water use by 12% over a six-year period, despite its population growing by 10% during that time. Chino Hills’ water conservation efforts earned it the Helen Putnam Award in 2023, which recognizes outstanding efforts and innovative solutions by city governments in California.
Increasing non-potable applications
The city features 44 parks and over 3,000 acres of publicly owned open space, all of which consume large volumes of irrigation water to stay green. To preserve drinking water supplies and further its commitment to water conservation and sustainability, the city is expanding its recycled water irrigation system with two parallel projects: the Eucalyptus Avenue Recycled Water Line and Pavement Rehabilitation Project and the English Road Recycled Water Line Project.
Construction for both the Eucalyptus Avenue and English Road projects began in January. English Road will install 8,900 linear feet of 12-inch diameter PVC to provide irrigation for a popular park,
Chino Hills will install 8,900 linear feet of purple pipe along English Road, pictured on this map. (Map provided by Chino Hills, Calif.)
pipe into place. (Photo provided by Chino Hills, Calif.)
an elementary school, a high school and the open space landscaping between them. Simultaneously, Eucalyptus Avenue will install 6,100 linear feet of 12-inch PVC pipe to irrigate local parks and open spaces.
The projects target high consumption areas to reduce potable water demand while maintaining the city’s open spaces. The Eucalyptus Avenue and English Road projects are expected to be completed this summer and fall, respectively. Road improvement work will follow these water recycling projects as part of a larger road improvement effort across the city.
Both projects are funded with a mix of American Rescue Plan Act grants and the city’s water utility budget.
Projected impact
Once completed, Chino Hills’ non-potable water system will stretch 28 miles, enhancing the distribution of a cheaper, more sustainable water source. The city used 220 acre-feet of reclaimed water during fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for irrigation and construction applications, such as compaction and dust control at construction sites, golf courses, parks and greenbelt common areas, parkways and medians, and school landscaping.
In addition to irrigating public spaces, the reclaimed water lines will have connections available for each property parcel, meaning residents, businesses, agricultural and equestrian customers will be able to opt into irrigating their property with recycled water. The lower billing rate of recycled water compared to drinking water offers customers a chance to economically benefit from these infrastructure investments while choosing a more sustainable irrigation water source.
Outlook
Non-potable water projects like the ones on English Road and Eucalyptus Avenue will likely become more popular as water scarcity and
This map shows purple pipe placement along one of the project routes — Eucalyptus Avenue — and Chino Hills Parkway. (Map provided by Chino Hills, Calif.)
competing demands stress municipal water resources. While Chino Hills has no concrete plans for further expansion of its reclaimed irrigation system beyond these current projects, its dedication to preserving its water resources continues.
“Once these projects are complete, we may consider connecting the two in a future project for redundancy and resiliency,” noted Danny Hernandez, associate city engineer.
As Chino Hills continues to balance growth with sustainability, its investments in recycled water infrastructure serve as a strategic model for other municipalities facing similar water supply challenges. Whether through future expansions or increased customer connections, it is laying the groundwork for long-term water resilience — one purple pipe at a time.
An overhead shot reveals work to install purple pipes in Chino Hills. (Photo provided by Chino Hills, Calif.)
Haltom City reclaims North Park for the local community
ABOVE: One of the challenges in renovating the park was the addition of a fishing pond when the property is already located in a floodplain. However, with some additional testing and permitting, the fishing pond will be a great place for families and visitors to make memories. (Photo provided by the Haltom City Parks and Recreation Department)
Finishing touches were just completed on the renovated North Park. This was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony combined with a celebration for the city’s 75th anniversary. There is a new playground, green space and amphitheater. (Photo provided by the Haltom City Parks and Recreation Department)
By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal
North Park in Haltom City, Texas, is getting an upgrade. After some issues occurred in the park, and with a great deal of future pipeline development planned for the area, now was the perfect time for a renovation.
Construction began on park amenities last year. The grand opening of the new park took place on June 7 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Previously, North Park was about 30 acres in size. A resident donated the front 10 to 11 acres years ago to the Northeast Optimist Club for a baseball complex, but in 2008, the park experienced a large flood, which put those ball fields completely underwater.
“It took a long time to get them back up and running and the teams struggled to bring their players back,’’ Christi Pruitt, director of parks and recreation, explained. “A few small groups tried to keep up with the maintenance, but it became a blight. Homeless and drug users took over the outbuildings, and it was a police and code enforcement nightmare. It kept people from enjoying the actual park.”
In 2018, Haltom City acquired the property and then demolished the ballfield complex and outbuildings.
In order to begin the updates, protocol was followed by contractors and the design team for all necessary city and state permitting. Since the park is in a floodplain, some additional permitting and testing was required. This was also necessary, since a body of water was being added to the park.
“We have a 10-year parks and open space master plan,” Pruitt described. “Which involved gathering and compiling a lot of data and feedback from residents and user groups. Developing the master plan is a lengthy process but gives us a bit of a roadmap for future development as well as replacement schedules for equipment and amenities.” The information gathered from this master plan was used to help choose the new amenities to be added to North Park.
For Pruitt, the North Park renovations have been the largest project she has been involved in.
“No project is perfect, and each one has its own challenges,” she admitted. “The biggest challenges with this project have been budget and timeline. When we applied for the grant in 2019, it was supposed to be awarded in spring of 2020, but COVID happened. It was awarded in 2021, and at that time, we were facing rising costs on materials and labor shortages.
“We got the maximum number of extensions from Texas Parks and Wildlife, then had to get moving. The market settled a little, and prices seemed to steady, but were still significantly higher than preCOVID. We had to get very creative to build a park with all of the amenities, but a smaller budget and compressed timeline.”
The contractor, Fort Worth Civil Constructors, was able to overcome and deal with all of the issues that arose, acting as a great partner for the city.
A large portion of the funding for the project came from a $750,000 matching grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Additional funding came from certificates of obligation, or CO bonds, and general obligation bond funds.
With the grant, Haltom City had to complete all the amenities and request reimbursement by April 30, a deadline that was met. All fixes and finishing touches were subsequently completed. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of North Park also celebrated the city’s 75th anniversary and included food trucks, giveaways, booths and family entertainment.
“North Park will be the destination park in Haltom City,” Pruitt stated. “A fishing pond is a great way to bring family and friends together to make special memories.
North Park had previously been approximately 30 acres, which was home to a baseball complex and outbuildings. In 2008, it was flooded and took a while to get back up and running, but proved difficult to maintain. Eventually it became a large problem for police and code enforcement. (Photo provided by the Haltom City Parks and Recreation Department)
Haltom City finally acquired the property in 2018 and had to demolish the baseball complex and outbuildings. Plans for future renovations and improvements could then begin. (Photo provided by the Haltom City Parks and Recreation Department)
We have a great walking trail around the beautiful pond and an amphitheater that will host great bands, movies, concerts and so much more. We have a new playground and a great open green space for all to enjoy. It will be the place for all kinds of events to bring the community together, from small fishing events to weddings to multiday festivals with big name bands.
“North Park will bring people from all over to get a little taste of what Haltom City has to offer,” she added. “We have the H Mart development just west, up Hwy. 820, and new hotels, restaurants and entertainment options. Haltom City is definitely shaking things up and building some incredible fun this side of the metroplex.”
Combatting the affordable housing crisis
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
A home of one’s own is the American Dream, but it is a dream that is out of reach for millions of Americans. Because nearly 53% of households lack the $61,487 annual income to purchase a modest $200,000 home, affordable rental properties are more important than ever. Unfortunately, those units are in short supply.
Nearly 60% of households are unable to afford a $300,000 home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. (www.nahb.org)
ABOVE: Nearly 53% of households in the U.S. lack the $61,487 annual income to purchase a $200,000 home, making affordable rental properties are more important than ever. (Shutterstock.com)
According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the lowest-income renters in the United States face a shortage of 7.1 million affordable and available rental properties. As a result of this shortage, 75% of those renters are forced to spend more than half of their monthly budget on housing.
With an average of 25 affordable units available for every 100 low-income renter households, every state in the union, including the District of Columbia, is impacted. However, communities across the nation are fighting back with developments designed to shore up the shortage.
California dreamin’
In October, the city of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., held a grand opening for the first phase of the Sugar Pine Village project, which includes an initial 68 units ranging from studio to threebedroom floor plans. Construction on the first-of-its-kind project
began two years ago as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order, N-06-19, created to address the state’s housing crisis by using excess state-own lands for affordable developments. When completed, Sugar Pine Village will be a 248-unit residential and mixed-use complex that will not only complement the existing neighborhood but also preserve native species and sensitive land.
“Sugar Pine Village opens the door to more affordable living in South Lake Tahoe, creating hundreds of new homes,” said Newsom in a press release. “I congratulate and extend my thanks to Related California and the Saint Joseph Community Land Trust, as well as the state agencies who led the way in transforming this state property into a place where many families can call home.”
Department of General Services director Ana M. Lasso said that these affordable housing projects are stand out examples of the state working together to ensure that every Californian has a place to call home.
“With Sugar Pine Village, DGS is proud to be part of creating a sustainable and inclusive community that reflects the values of South Lake Tahoe,” she said.
New housing in Knoxville Affordable housing has been an ongoing priority for Knoxville, Tenn., Mayor Indya Kincannon. Building on her predecessor’s efforts, her first budget for FY 2020-21 included a $7.5 million appropriation to support affordable housing, including the city’s $2.5 million investment in the Affordable Rental Development
Communities like South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and others are working with state and federal authorities to ensure that more affordable housing is constructed. Creating sustainable and inclusive communities is a priority for many municipalities. (Shutterstock.com)
A new, affordable housing community has been built on vacant state land in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and opened to residents late last year. (www.gov.ca.gov)
Fund to support affordable and workforce housing. Since then, the city has completed a number of developments across six districts with more under construction or planned for the future.
In April, the company DGA Residential cut the ribbon on Riverside at Holston, a 96-unit affordable housing community across from Holston River Park off of Holston Hill Road. Construction began on the development in 2023 and includes 48 two-bedroom and 48 three-bedroom units as well as a clubhouse, a playground, business center, gym and onsite management. According to news reports, the development was made possible by a $750,000 ARDF investment as well as some financing through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development finances.
“We know that housing, and especially affordable housing, is a critical need in our community, and we are committed to addressing that by supporting these opportunities,” Kincannon said. “These 96-units will go a long way to meet that demand while also offering a great location across from Holston River Park.”
Revisiting the plan
Although Hartford, Conn., has been home to the lion’s share of the region’s affordable housing market, the city is not content to rest on its laurels. In compliance with state law, Hartford adopted its latest affordable housing plan in late 2022, setting an ambitious course to combat housing insecurity throughout the community. Goals of the plan include encouraging home ownership and housing production at all levels, increasing residential density citywide, ensuring that renters have the resources and protections that they need, improving housing quality for both renters and homeowners and enhancing how they inform local residents and stakeholders about housing-related resources.
In February 2024, the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority signed financing agreements for five developments that will create a total of 478 housing units, including 439 affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income renters. The $16.7 million in loans include the Village at Park River development in Hartford.
The Village at River Park is a transformative redevelopment of Westbrook Village, a 40-acre
The goal of Hartford, Conn.’s, ambitious affordable housing plan includes encouraging homeownership and housing production at all levels, increasing residential density citywide and improving housing quality for both renters and homeowners. (P.Cartwright/ Shutterstock.com)
former public housing site that has been repurposed into a mixed-use community designed to meet the needs of a diverse residential population. The first four phases of the project have been completed and are occupied: The final two phases are under construction and will add 58 units to the 260-high quality, one-to-threebedroom units already on site.
“Our goal was to create a vibrant new community where residents can live, shop and do business,” said Sandy Cloud, owner and founder of The Cloud Company and a former resident of Westbrook Village. “Having lived in Westbrook growing up, I can’t begin to express how exciting it is to see the community we envisioned taking shape.”
The Founders Bridge is a pedestrian walkway that leads walkers from the Connecticut River to downtown Hartford. (James Kirkikis/Shutterstock.com)
Phased-in code compliance increases occupancy in historic buildings
By JANET G. PATTERSON | The Municipal
Small business owners in Jackson, Mich., are getting help from a program that allows them to open their new enterprise while still working on code compliance for their building.
Recognizing the barriers that can hinder entrepreneurs from successfully launching ventures in older, shuttered buildings, Jackson’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department and the Community Development Department have created the Fix 36 Program. It not only helps new businesses but is expected to bolster the city’s economic growth.
“By allowing businesses to open after meeting the essential safety requirements, the Fix 36 Program provides a lifeline to entrepreneurs,” said DEI director John Willis.
The city has created a structured, phased approach to compliance with city codes so that new business owners can open their doors sooner while gradually bringing their facilities up to code over a 36-month period.
Located in southeast Michigan along the Grand River, Jackson sits on a direct route between Detroit and Chicago at the intersection of Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 127. The city was founded in 1829 as a tribute to U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who began the first of his two terms that year. Among the charms of the nearly
ABOVE: Jackson, Mich., created a phased approach to code compliance so that new business owners can open their doors sooner. The city hopes the program will increase occupancy in older commercial structures. (ehrlif/Shutterstock.com)
200-year-old city is the old buildings that remain a part of the fabric of Jackson.
Fix 36 invites new business owners to work with the Community Development Department to create a schedule that aligns with their financial capabilities, detailing when each phase of work will be completed. A refundable $2,500 escrow deposit is required to show a financial commitment to meeting the compliance schedule.
“Some new business owners have purchased property without knowing what’s expected of them and code compliance,” Willis observed.
A coat of paint can go a long way to improving a building’s appearance, and then businesses in Jackson can open while working on safety issues like the roof, lighting, drainage and accessibility. (Photo provided by Jackson, Mich.)
The city also came up with a pre-development plan that helps prospective business owners before they make the investment in a building.
“We encourage them to come to one of our meetings to learn what they’ll have to do,” he explained.
One example of the expectations is the city’s façade rule that requires a storefront to have glass over 40 percent of the façade.
“If they buy a building that is mostly a brick front, it can cost $15,000 to $20,000 to meet that requirement. That’s a lot for a small business owner.”
Willis said that so far, only two local businesses are participating in the program that started in summer 2024. However, another half dozen or so are considering entering the process. The $2,500 escrow deposit has been a roadblock for some businesses, and Willis said the city is working with them to adjust the fee.
The Monster Box Theater, a non-profit 501(c) 3 production company, moved from the Detroit area because of rising rent costs after COVID-19 shut it down. After purchasing one of Jackson’s 19thcentury buildings, the realities of bringing it up to code appeared daunting.
“Fix 36 has really helped,” said Paul Stark, Monster Box artistic director. “We’re a nonprofit, so we don’t have a lot of money right now to do all the work like repairing sidewalks and planting trees. Now we have a little time to get that done.”
He said the most pressing issues for bringing the old building up to 21st century code are being tackled. “We’re almost at the end of the basics like fire protection and accessibility issues for people with disabilities.”
In addition to the downtown area of Jackson, Fix 36 focuses on neighborhood commercial corridors, where economic revitalization is a pressing need.
Willis said his office collaborated with Community Development to create the new program after seeing potential entrepreneurs
The new home of the Monster Box Theater in Jackson, Mich., was built in the 1800s and most recently was a bookshop. Fix 36 has allowed the nonprofit to space its code-compliance work over a three-year period. (Photo provided by Jackson, Mich.)
abandon their dreams of opening a business due to the high cost of bringing older buildings up to current codes.
“By allowing businesses to open after meeting only the essential safety requirements, the Fix 36 Program provides a lifeline to these entrepreneurs. They can start generating income while gradually addressing other compliance issues, such as facade improvements, parking lot resurfacing and roof repairs, according to a schedule that works for them,” he said.
Before starting Fix 36, Willis learned about similar programs in Battle Creek, Mich., and Akron, Ohio, that have been successful. When he visited Akron, he was impressed with the strides the city has made in economic development and revitalization of the downtown area.
Stark agreed, noting that when Monster Box opens and begins to have audiences, subscribers and advertisers for its productions, funding will be generated to continue building improvements.
He believes that an overall collaboration between businesspeople and the government will improve the already charming atmosphere of Jackson. “It just seems like the right thing to do.”
He said the old buildings add character and charm to the city of 31,000 residents. The building Monster Box purchased had numerous previous uses including a broom factory, a service station and body shop, and most recently, a bookstore.
“We’re making it a place of assembly now instead of a retail space,” said Stark. Monster Box Theater produces live theater and also serves as a theater training center, with acting classes and improvisation comedy classes.
He added that along with some of the new businesses in the area, Monster Box is helping make Jackson an up-and-coming place for arts and entertainment.
“We want to be in the social district where there are restaurants and festivals; where people can come and enjoy an evening of dinner and a show.”
He respects the city for wanting to encourage businesses and at the same time protect the image of Jackson. “There are a lot of good reasons for helping businesses, and I think a lot of positives will come out of it.”
Dunwoody Pavement Management Program replaces all streets on 20-year cycle
By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
The City of Dunwoody, Ga., is taking it to the streets — literally. On April 8, the Atlanta suburb embarked on its 2025 paving plan, which includes 29 streets and covers over 10 lane miles. The project is funded with $2.75 million from Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax funds as well as $503,414 from the Georgia Department of Transportation through a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant.
Located in DeKalb County, Dunwoody was officially incorporated on Dec. 1, 2008, but its roots go back to the 1830s. The community boasts a population of 51,683 across 13.2 square miles and is bounded by the Fulton County line on the north and west, I-285 on the South, the Peachtree Industrial Boulevard on the southeast and the Gwinnett
County line on the Northeast. The city has its own police force with approximately 64 officers as well as departments governing zoning and land use; however, Dunwoody receives some of its services from DeKalb County, including schools, fire and rescue, sanitation, water and sewage.
ABOVE: Workers pave a street in Dunwoody, Ga. The city assesses the condition of all city-maintained streets on a five-year basis. (Photo provided by Dunwoody, Ga.)
Creating a plan
According to Dunwoody Public Works director Michael Smith, the 2025 pavement resurfacing project originated from the city’s Pavement Management Program, which assesses the condition of all citymaintained streets on a five-year basis. The assessment is then used to prioritize the streets in need of repaving in order to maximize the benefit gained from rehabilitation, depending on where the street is on the life cycle curve.
“The goal is to apply the right treatment to the right street at the right time,” he said.
The pavement assessment completed two years ago was the fourth such assessment since the city started its pavement management program 15 years ago. Two of the key metrics that the city uses to evaluate the pavement condition system wide is the pavement condition index and the percentage of backlog. The PCI score is determined on a scale of 0-100, with 100 being the highest, and on the amount of pavement cracking, rough ride and other factors. The backlog is the percentage of pavement area that is in poor or worse condition based on the PCI score.
“When Dunwoody started its pavement management program in 2010, the overall PCI score was 69 with a 16% backlog,” Smith said. “In 2023, the PCI score was 75 while the backlog held steady at 17%. The goal of Dunwoody’s pavement program is to keep the PCI score above 70 with a backlog around 15%.”
A concrete system
When Dunwoody began its pavement management program in 2010, the city council set a goal of paving all the city streets within 20 years and, according to Smith, the city is on track to meet that goal. Going forward, he said, the goal is to continue paving all local neighborhood streets on a 20-year cycle with the heavily traveled, arterial and collector streets being repaved more frequently.
By the end of last year, the city had finished paving 252 lane miles, or approximately 83% of the streets that it maintains.
Smith said that the streets scheduled for pavement this year are centered on the Ashford Chase and Dunwoody North neighborhoods as well as the north end of Tilly Mill Road. Crack ceiling work is being planned for parts of Dunwoody Park, Hammond Drive and Perimeter Center Parkway. Additional patchwork will take place on parts of Peachford Road and Tilly Mill Road.
Smith suggested that cities looking to create a comprehensive pavement cycle begin with an assessment of the street system, which is objective and quantifiable, and then set targets for pavement condition based on the community’s expected level of service.
“With a condition assessment and service level targets, you can determine what level of funding is needed every year in order to achieve the goals of the program,” he said.
ABOVE and BELOW: A cul-de-sac is paved as part of Dunwoody’s paving program, which includes all local neighborhood streets on a 20-year cycle. (Photo provided by Dunwoody, Ga.)
In 2025, Dunwoody plans to pave 29 streets, which covers over 10 lane miles. (Photo provided by Dunwoody, Ga.)
An aerial shot shows the completed paving of two cul-de-sacs and a neighborhood street. (Photo provided by Dunwoody, Ga.)
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Unity Square Park: Leading a citywide movement of revitalization in New Jersey
By DANIELLE LUND | The Municipal
In the city of Trenton, N.J., a new change is occurring that is revitalizing vacant green spaces into hubs of hope, recreation and unity. At its center is Unity Square Park, which is undergoing a comprehensive five-phase construction that reflects the city’s new vision of its future.
Where once stood a symbol of aging infrastructure and vacant land, Unity Square Park is now emerging as a successful example of what is possible when local government, fundraising efforts and community values come together. The rebirth of the park is not just a series of building projects. It is the expression of Trenton’s commitment to being a healthier, safer and more connected city.
Unity Square Park redevelopment began with Phase I, which was a long-overdue and genuine upgrade for area families. A freshly installed, new playground now takes the place of the old, rusty playground equipment, offering children a safe and enjoyable area in which to play and grow.
“We’ve heard from the kids in our neighborhood, the dreamers who one day hope to be soccer stars, and we’re proud to create a space where they can come together, play
ABOVE: Trenton, N.J.’s, Trenton250 Master Plan emphasizes investments in public spaces, infrastructure, transportation, arts, and environmental sustainability. (Mihai_ Andritoiu/Shutterstock.com)
and grow. This mini-pitch isn’t just a place to practice; it’s a safe and welcoming space where children of all ages can build confidence, make memories, and have fun,” Mayor W. Reed Gusciora previously stated in an interview with Trenton Journal in November 2024.
Phase II, completed in November 2024, added the opening of a $280,000 minipitch soccer field, made possible through the help of the American Rescue Plan. The field is LED-lit and features an artificial turf surface, fenced in with goals, benches and
secure storage. This part of the project shows the community that the city is prioritizing the residents of Trenton, especially the children.
The opening of the field was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exhibition soccer game that drew in residents, city officials and local athletes. Councilwoman Jennifer Williams told the Trenton Journal at the time, “Soccer is the fastest-growing sport, and it is so important to have a place where children can practice the sport. As a kid who grew up in this city, we have more things for the children to do today than my generation ever dreamed of, and that is due to Mayor Gusciora, and everyone involved. I know all my council colleagues are just as ecstatic as I am about the upgrades at this park.”
Up next on the agenda is Phase III, taking place later in 2024, to redistrict the park’s landscape. Overgrown areas will be cleaned up, grassy land will be reseeded and deteriorated asphalt walkways will be repaired. Not only will the area be more attractive but also more accessible to all, including the disabled and elderly.
Phase IV will be a final push, completed by spring 2025, toward the way the park serves the community. The existing baseball field will be redesigned as a typical soccer field to accommodate increased demand from city leagues and recreational players. Soccer’s increased popularity in the city has prompted this strategic plan, in conjunction with Trenton’s desire to be hospitable to the many sports interests of its residents.
Simultaneously, Phase V will begin a full renovation of the Unity Square Park Community Center. This vital community center in the neighborhood will be covered and provided with interior renovations, transforming it into a multipurpose facility that is suitable for use in conducting meetings, educational programs and community events. Upon completion, the center will be both a literal and figurative roof over several community-driven initiatives.
While Unity Square Park is a showpiece, it is merely one piece of a much greater puzzle. Citywide park revitalization is in progress through the department of recreation. A total of 26 playgrounds will receive badly needed facelifts, including new play equipment, fencing and improved safety features, so that city neighborhoods will experience those benefits as well.
Trenton’s emphasis on mobility and connectivity is also evident in its trail development efforts. With the support of a $2.09 million grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the city will shortly complete the Marine Terminal Trail and Cooper Field Connector. The trails will be both utilitarian and recreational, and they will foster healthy lifestyles without car dependence.
In an even more ambitious undertaking, the Assunpink Greenway Project is poised to transform the cityscape. Trenton is also turning ecological liabilities into community assets with its redevelopment of nearly 100 acres of defunct industrial land into a single giant public park. The new greenway will feature a skatepark, futsal courts and nature trails, while simultaneously aiding flood control, wildlife biodiversity and air quality.
Each of these projects plays a key role in realizing the Trenton250 Master Plan, a long-term development strategy guiding the city toward its 250th anniversary in 2042. The plan emphasizes investments in public spaces, infrastructure, transportation, arts, and environmental sustainability, with a central focus on equity and access.
For the people of Trenton, this is a vow to the members of the community to create a city where families can thrive, where kids can play
in
Trenton has embraced the growing sport of soccer, especially for the community’s youth who asked for a safe place to play. (Photo provided by Trenton, N.J.)
without fear, and where neighborhoods reflect the respect and hopes of those who call them home.
Trenton’s revitalization remains a benchmark for cities around the country. By pairing federal resources with local initiative and citizen activism, the city has avoided one-size-fits-all solutions for more responsive, neighborhood-specific strategies. This conscious focus on place-based development, where parks, trails and rec centers are seen as part of the rich fabric of city life, makes Trenton a model for inclusive renewal.
As Unity Square Park nears completion of its revitalization, the park’s impact is already visible. And, for many Trenton families, the impact can be felt. It’s in the laughter of children on the new playground. It’s in the shouts of soccer players beneath new bright lights. And it’s in the conversation of neighbors who are beginning to look at their park, and their city, in a new light.
Children play soccer
Trenton, N.J.’s, Unity Square Park. The park now has a mini-pitch soccer field that is well used. (Photo provided by Trenton, N.J.)
• The 2001, 2001M, and 2001MB barricades are MASH Tested as a Longitudinal Channelizing Device (LCD).
• Accessorize with Lights and Fence Panels.
• Transform unstable ground into stable and weatherproof surfaces for easy transport and staging of heavy equipment.
• Protect Turf & Grass During Events and Projects.
• Create Accessible Walkways for Pedestrians or Crew.
• Portable, High-Performance, interlocking water filled Barrier sections.
July 27-30 NIGP Forum 2025 (also virtual July 27-30)
Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colo.
https://www.nigp.org/forum
July 28-Aug. 2 Louisiana State Firemen’s Association 120th Annual Conference New Orleans, La. https://www.lsfa.net/index. php/events
July 29 Chicago Regional Emerging Technology Summit 2025 Chicago, Ill. https://events.govtech.com/ Chicago-Regional-EmergingTechnology-Summit.html?
AUGUST
Aug. 2-5 Tennessee Municipal League 85th Annual Convention Chattanooga, Tenn. https://www.tml1.org/
Aug. 5-8 Building Officials Association of Texas Annual Conference Margaritaville Lake Resort/Lake Conroe, Montgomery, Texas https://boatx.org/boatconferences/
NAFA opens applications for 2025 Green Fleet Awards, celebrating sustainable fleet practices
EDISON, N.J. — NAFA Fleet Management Association, the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 Green Fleet Awards application. This prestigious annual honor recognizes outstanding fleet sustainability efforts and celebrates fleets that have made significant strides in enhancing their environmental practices.
“The Green Fleet Awards continue to be an important recognition for the fleet industry, highlighting organizations that are at the forefront of sustainability and innovation,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “NAFA remains dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and safe fleets, and these awards highlight the progress being made in reducing the environmental impact of fleet operations.”
The Green Fleet Awards are free to enter and open to both government and commercial fleets across North America. The award is a comprehensive recognition, tailored to address the unique challenges faced by fleet professionals while helping to elevate fleet management standards across the industry.
Applications for the 2025 Green Fleet Awards will close on July 11, 2025. Winners will be announced at the 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo, where leaders in sustainability and fleet management will gather to discuss the latest in green technologies and strategies.
The Green Fleet Awards program is sponsored by AssetWorks, Element Fleet Management, FuelForce, Toyota Fleet, and the NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
To apply or for more information, visit https://www. nafa.org/awards/green-fleet-awards/. M
News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-product-related company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates. Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2307, or email swright@the-papers.com.
Best cities to stay fit and healthy
Engaging in regular exercise is easier when a person is surrounded by incentives to work out and by a variety of opportunities.
Whether a resident prefers working out alone or in a group indoors or outdoors certain cities in the U.S. offer more ways than others for residents to develop their levels of fitness.
In January, the website WalletHub analyzed municipalities across the country to determine which were the most conducive to an active lifestyle. Analysts took into consideration 35 key indicators, including the average local fitness club fee per month, the number of community sports fields and complexes, the city’s walkability, the number of bike trails and even the air quality. Among other conclusions, they found that, as analyst Chip Lupo noted, “The top cities for an active lifestyle have populations that are highly interested in exercise, which helps people find workout partners and stay motivated.”
The Top 10 U.S. cities for those who prefer an active lifestyle are:
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