Public Works & Infrastructure
Public Works & infrastructure are essential components of local and state government responsibilities. They involve the construction, maintenance, and management of vital public facilities and services such as roads, bridges, water supply, and waste management. Effective infrastructure planning ensures communities have the necessary resources for economic growth and quality of life. This directory provides articles on public works and infrastructure and related topics like Transportation, which explores the development of efficient systems for moving people and goods.
Managing a growing population and new development has never been easy for state and local leaders. But recent national trends may be making the task more difficult.
If the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam is removed, water levels could be lower than the intakes local governments and industries use to withdraw water from the Savannah River. It also would make recreation less attractive along a river where dozens of affluent homeowners maintain docks
Officials have said the dam interrupts the natural flow and negatively affects water quality of the river, and its removal will help return the river to a more natural, free-flowing state and make it safer for paddlers.
Communities worldwide are brainstorming strategies for dealing with increased water levels to preserve the integrity of infrastructure and public systems
Many municipalities are taking advantage of grant programs and new technologies to support water system maintenance and innovation projects
Governments use technology to keep residents connected and safe during severe weather.
West Des Moines is using state-of-the-art camera technology to gather data on street conditions during snow and ice storms
Cities are overcoming opposition to bike lanes to improve traffic flow and quality of life
A new report discusses ways Boston can combat rising sea levels and climate change, such as building out canals
Maria Koetter, Director of Louisville’s Office of Sustainability, discussed the city’s plan to reduce per capita energy use by 25 percent by 2025
Chicago collects real-time data on the city’s environment, infrastructure and operations to increase efficiency.
Chicago uses predictive models to find risks and implement solutions efficiently. How could your municipality use predictive modeling?
Audio smart data sensors are collecting city info to extract actionable insights for decision makers. Learn how acoustic data can improve community operations
Read about cities’ plans to outsource animal control duties and water services to generate significant savings
Geographic information systems (GIS) technology allow local agencies and residents to access and share community information. Consider how the technology can improve data sharing in your community
Dayton has successfully implemented RFID tags to make utility street cuts more efficient with increased accountability. Read the city’s step-by-step strategy
HUD recently opened up the application process for the National Disaster Resilience Grant Competition which awards $1 billion to 67 state, local and tribal governments.
Residents in Gresham, Oregon, receive digital reminders about trash pickup days. Learn how cities are incorporating digital communication into delivery of public services
After a devastating earthquake, Christchurch, NZ, is using smart sensor technology to collect real-time data to support faster decision making. Learn how citizens are interacting with the technology to help rebuild the city
