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.
While implementing a smart city program is often easier said than done, overcoming these challenges will have your city on its way to hyperconnectivity in no time
A federal lawsuit filed this week by several cities, counties and groups accuses the Army Corps of Engineers and commission of violating federal law by opening the spillway more frequently in response to increased rainfall, spewing polluted river water across the region in the process.
The city’s police chief calls the cameras in street lights ‘a game changer.’ Critics aren’t so sure, especially given that the program was introduced as a way to save energy and money instead of a way to collect data in public spaces.
New asset management and leak detection techniques are helping cities and taxpayers to avoid major infrastructure investments. Inside we detail the city of Ottawa’s asset management plan, the EPA’s guidelines, and leak detection technologies
Technology enables Portland, Oregon, to create electricity from the water flowing within its city’s pipes. Find out how the system works.
Facing continued budget deficits, Pontiac, MI, has recently decided to outsource its entire DPW department. This comes on the heels of outsourcing the fire department as well. Read inside for the implications, savings, causes and overall plan for a sound financial future.
Working with a local utility, the Sheboygan, WI, wastewater treatment plant is now saving more than $80k annually vs. 10 years ago and has become 90% energy self-sufficient. Links to the ACEEE’s case study, specifics on success and new efficient technologies in this sector
Aging airport terminals are the impetus for cities seeking to use public-private partnerships as a means of reducing the economic burden on taxpayers for new infrastructure. Details on how two cities are approaching projects and link to the NYC Port Authority full RFQ
As electricity costs rise, cities are finding lower cost solutions for operating water and sewer treatment services through solar power. We take a look at a few cities in CA who are focused on these projects. Read inside for details
The city of Nottingham, England, recently penned a deal to install 130 smart trash bins that will save the city money by cutting down on collections. The financials, details, savings, vendor, and more are inside.
Public officials in Massachusetts, together with a regional non-profit, have established a “Gateway Cities Innovation Institute” that will focus on revitalizing former manufacturing centers that have been beset by serious social and economic challenges. Details and related research are inside.
A Nova Scotia windstorm revealed building issues, and prompted emergency planning.
When Oklahoma City was required to dismantle a major bridge and rebuild it one mile south, an opportunity for savings became apparent. Details, savings and lessons are inside.
A new study that looks at the effect of public-private partnership on water systems has concluded that the upfront payments to municipalities are essentially high-interest loans,
Lincoln, Nebraska, and other cities are considering the issuance of “TIF” bonds to those who would redevelop areas of the city. We review just what TIF bonds are, how they work, and where they’re being utilized. All that, plus research and more, is inside.
The city manager in Columbia, Missouri, wants private building inspectors to provide after-hour services, at a cost to residents. Details on why, how it would work, and how it works elsewhere, are inside.
The city of Santa Monica is installing more than 6,000 state-of-the-art parking sensors and meters, which—among other things—reset parking meters when spaces are vacated. Details, potential revenue, case studies, and more are inside.
Shaker Heights, Ohio, has decided to outsource its sewer maintenance to Cuyahoga County Public Works, a move that will eliminate four positions and obviate the immediate need for $400,000 in equipment. Details, savings, and related research is inside.
Bristol, Conn., recently issued several “Requests For Information” from private contractors to take over numerous town functions, such as park maintenance, information technology, janitorial services, and trash collection. Details, the RFIs, and the bids are inside.
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