Commentaries

Commentaries are contributed, non-commercial and educational articles that subject matter experts write for American City & County. If you would like to submit an exclusive commentary, click here to view our guidelines.

Highlights

Community trust is a firefighter’s greatest asset

Firefighters are society’s first line of defense against natural disasters. When catastrophes...

Traverse City’s broadband project is a cautionary tale for other communities

As a former telecommunications executive who created business plans for fiber networks, I’ve...

Getting started: What any municipality can do now about EPA’s PFAS ruling for water systems

There is help for municipalities and community water providers overwhelmed by the April 2024...

Commentary

Getting ahead of natural disasters: Field-tested planning best practices from San Mateo and Santa Cruz

Over 16 days at the beginning of this year, a state of emergency was declared in 51 of California’s 58 counties due to atmospheric rivers and winter storms. From storm surges, mudslides, downed trees, heavy snow, avalanches, power outages and road closures, to river and tributary floods, potential dam spills, as well as urban, residential, […]

Article

Before the storm: Using data to predict and manage climate risk

In the first five months of 2023 alone, the United States experienced 11 climate disaster events with confirmed losses of over $1 billion each. With June’s severe weather in the south, that number climbed to 12. Last year, there were 18 such disasters, costing more than $175 billion and 474 lives. Business and government leaders […]

Commentary

Five attributes every government agency needs from a successful partner

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how state and local governments work with outside partners to support government benefits programs. The pandemic brought new challenges and increased demand for services. State and local government leaders had to re-evaluate the role private companies could play. These leaders were able to understand which partners were best suited to help […]

Commentary

Supporting hurricane response in Puerto Rico with aerial imagery

When Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico in September of 2022, resultant flooding and landslides caused significant damage on the island. Local and federal government agencies and insurance companies needed to determine the location and extent of this damage in a timely manner for restoration and assessment. With such a large area of potential impact—Puerto Rico […]

Commentary

The future of carbon emissions and cities lies in green buildings

When you envision the future, what do you see? For me, it’s a place where people of all generations live, work and thrive. And it’s a place where green, efficient buildings are integrated with nature and resilient infrastructure ties our healthy and productive places together into communities. However, in the face of climate change, that […]

Commentary

With an historic investment in public spaces, Philadelphia’s Rebuild program is committed to equity in the process

Jobs in the construction industry are family-sustaining careers that have proven to lift families out of intergenerational poverty. Historically speaking, those same opportunities have traditionally been reserved for white men. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, in 2020 more than 60 percent of construction workers were white, with only 5 percent identifying as Black […]

Commentary

4 reasons to maintain natural water systems

It has never been more important to understand the significance of preserving natural water systems, which are essential for sustaining the environment, providing economic benefits and defending nature. Here are four key reasons why we should take action to protect and preserve natural water systems. Protecting nature Preserving natural water systems is essential for protecting […]

Commentary

Tuning into your community: Top reasons why your agency needs a podcast

Podcasts are more popular than ever. In fact, in the United States, podcasts attract more than 100 million monthly listeners (according to demandsage.com). Are you tapping into the power of the pod to deliver important news on your city or county’s programs, projects, initiatives and community partnerships? If not, you may miss out on a […]

Commentary

Engaging businesses to strengthen your community

A prosperous business community epitomizes effective city leadership and fuels economic growth. But to fully understand and address specific needs within your community, cities must engage with local stakeholders and businesses to cultivate and maintain a strong business ecosystem. Business engagement plays an essential role in a city’s retention of businesses, helping to foster organic […]

Commentary

Four reasons why smart communities will take 2023 by storm

The last three years have been a rapid-fire series of challenges for local government leaders, from a devastating pandemic targeting the population’s most vulnerable to widespread economic downturn. After navigating this volatility, leaders are seeking out new and innovative strategies to future-ready their communities and reach their goals. One such strategy is the development of […]

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Commentaries

Commentaries are contributed, non-commercial and educational articles that subject matter experts write for American City & County. If you would like to submit an exclusive commentary, click here to view our guidelines.

Highlights

Community trust is a firefighter’s greatest asset

Traverse City’s broadband project is a cautionary tale for other communities

Getting started: What any municipality can do now about EPA’s PFAS ruling for water systems

Commentary

Getting ahead of natural disasters: Field-tested planning best practices from San Mateo and Santa Cruz

Article

Before the storm: Using data to predict and manage climate risk

Commentary

Five attributes every government agency needs from a successful partner

Commentary

Supporting hurricane response in Puerto Rico with aerial imagery

Commentary

The future of carbon emissions and cities lies in green buildings

Commentary

With an historic investment in public spaces, Philadelphia’s Rebuild program is committed to equity in the process

Commentary

4 reasons to maintain natural water systems

Commentary

Tuning into your community: Top reasons why your agency needs a podcast

Commentary

Engaging businesses to strengthen your community

Commentary

Four reasons why smart communities will take 2023 by storm

WHITE PAPERS

Industrial AMR infographic

Mechanize the Mop White Paper

3 Ways to Reduce Time-to-Hire in the Public Sector

Webinars

Navigating POTS Replacement: Public Sector Considerations

Overcoming Challenges & Creating Opportunities in Government Grant Management

How to Successfully Implement LED Streetlights in Your Hometown with Federal Funds

Podcast

Podcast: Disaster Management Symposium preview

Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina

Young Leaders Episode 3 – Shannon Hardin – City Council President, Columbus, Ohio

GALLERIES

A new dashboard tracks early voting for the 2024 election. These 10 counties have cast the most votes so far

Here are the 10 most competitive rental markets in the U.S.

Cycling, recycling and green space: these are the top 10 most sustainable cities in the U.S.