Civil and Municipal

Unlike in many states, Florida’s school board members are constitutionally elected, and the training provided by FSBA is voluntary—except for a state-mandated four-hour annual ethics course.

Saginaw Township, Michigan, thrives as a community where big-city assets meet small-town connectivity. Township Supervisor Gary Fahndrich, a longtime resident, notes, “it’s a very well-run organization…a safe, clean place to live,” with strengths in education, healthcare, and strategic development.

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, where industrial heritage meets modern ambition, Mani-towoc is engineering its own renaissance. This city of 35,000 residents exemplifies how mid-sized American communities can leverage their assets while addressing contemporary challeng-es.

In the remote town of Moosonee, Ontario, where students arrive by helicopter when the river ice breaks, an educational transformation is taking place. The James Bay Lowlands school system has reimagined what K-12 education can achieve when traditional boundaries disappear.

It all starts with heart,” says Mayor Kelvin Owens, who is leading Camilla through a period of bold transformation. “We are a small town with big ambitions, and what fuels those ambitions is a community that is ready to welcome visitors and investors with open arms.

The Learning and Wellness Center exemplifies the district’s commitment to students and families. This new facility has been designed to provide space for community partnerships and counseling services, while also supporting students with diverse learning needs.

As it stands at the threshold of new residential and commercial growth, Lakeville is working to strike the balance between welcoming development and preserving the rural character that residents cherish.

Located along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan in Southwest Michigan, Lincoln Township stands out for its careful planning, strong civic services, and dedication to a high quality of life. Home to around 15,000 residents, the township serves as a residential haven for professionals working in nearby St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, while maintaining its own distinct identity through a range of amenities, recreational opportunities, and economic growth.

You can arrive in Suisun City by boat, train, car, bicycle, or on foot—an uncommon distinction that captures the spirit of a city built on access, opportunity, and openness. For a city of just over 30,000, Suisun continues to exceed expectations, blending a protected natural landscape with bold infrastructure investments, and community pride with forward-looking leadership.

Located just north of St. Louis, Missouri, Florissant is one of the oldest settlements in the state, tracing its roots to the late 1700s. Over centuries, the community has grown into the largest city in St. Louis County, blending history and local pride with forward-thinking development.

Nestled along the historic Hudson River, Rensselaer, New York, blends rich heritage with ambitious growth. Though incorporated as a city just over a century ago, its roots stretch back 400 years, shaped by industry, transportation, and waterfront vitality.

As Greece looks to the future, its comprehensive approach to planning balances economic growth with community character, innovative infrastructure with fiscal responsibility, and modern governance with traditional small-town values, positioning this lakeside community for continued success in an evolving suburban landscape.

Situated just 10 miles north of Montgomery, Millbrook has transformed from a quiet summer retreat for wealthy capital city residents into one of central Alabama’s fastest-growing communities.