FEB 2026 VOL 07 BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL & MUNICIPAL LAKEVILLE, MN GROWING WITH INTENTION ALSO IN THIS ISSUE CARENCRO, LA • RM OF ROCKWOOD, MB • ANDOVER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Dylan Tenbrink Clementine Walton Caroline Verner Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
EDITOR’S NOTES A lot is going on in the world right now that is both unpredictable and warrants a pause and a chance to reflect. Events, however, both at home and abroad, have not put the brakes on the path to success for the organizations we covered in our February issue. Now that we have sunk our teeth into the new fiscal year and January is in our rearview mirror, our February issue dives into how 2026 plans are playing out among the organizations, municipalities, and airports we covered for our current issue. Flying firmly into the second month of the new calendar year, February’s issue set its flight path towards McAlester Regional Airport and Dodge City Regional Airport for an aviation clear view. We had the opportunity to speak at length with both Airport Directors about dynamic airport improvement plans, infrastructure upgrades, and both airports’ commitment to providing a happy landing every time. As airports gear up for growth, so too are municipalities throughout North America. Each municipality, covered in our February issue, is prioritizing residents and remains committed to implementing master plans that range from downtown street scapes to offering a choice of amenities and new business and industrial expansion for the year ahead. In this issue, we profiled Dumas, Texas, Hudsonville, Michigan, La Grange Park, Illinois, Lakeville, Minnesota, Loves Park, Illinois, Plainville, Texas, Sun Land Park, New Mexico, Villa Rica, Georgia, and Westville, Washington, among other municipalities and counties. Without exception, city officials are doing what is needed to ensure top housing, business, and infrastructure projects to ensure a seamless transition to 2026. Turning to business growth, we also covered impressive and fast-growing companies and organizations, including Koru Health and Sapphire Metal Finishing, Ward Memorial Hospital, and Tioga State Bank. These companies continue to demonstrate leadership, innovation, and produce noteworthy projects to expand their growing business foothold. Our February issue continues to bring you our popular school district series. We spoke with Alleghany County Schools, Andover Regional School District, Basehor-Linwood School District, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Freehold Borough Schools, Great Meadows Regional School District, Lloydminster Public School Division 99, Mendon-Upton School District, Peery County Schools, Ruch County Schools, Sampson County Schools, St Charles Parish Public Schools, Waterford School District and Sterling College among other top school districts. All of these educational powerhouses are providing students with hands-on educational opportunities and real-world experiences as they proudly serve their communities As the economy continues to evolve rapidly, Business View Magazine keeps on top of it all. As always, we look forward to bringing the very best B2B features every month. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
BEST OF TEXAS 21 PLAINVIEW, TX Building Opportunity on the High Plains 35 DUMAS, TX Strategic Growth Taking Shape in the Texas Panhandle BEST MANAGED CITIES: GEORGIA 47 VILLA RICA, GA Main Street Momentum VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 COVER LAKEVILLE, MN 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES HUDSONVILLE, MI PLAINVIEW, TX 111 21 BEST MANAGED CITIES: ILLINOIS 59 LA GRANGE PARK, IL Built on Neighborhoods, Sustained by Reinvestment 69 LOVES PARK, IL Powered by its Residents 79 ROBINSON, IL Oil Heritage and Winning Small-Town Character BEST MANAGED CITIES: LOUISIANA 91 CARENCRO, LA Infrastructure First, Community Always BEST OF MARYLAND 103 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE A Thriving and Diversified Economy BEST MANAGED COUNTY: MICHIGAN 111 HUDSONVILLE, MI From Farm Town to Destination Downtown 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
GO-TO COLLECTION WHEREVER YOU PLAY
BEST MANAGED CITIES: MINNESOTA 123 LAKEVILLE, MN Growing with Intention BEST MANAGED CITIES: NEW MEXICO 135 SUNLAND PARK, NM Strategically Located, Purposefully Planned BEST MANAGED CITIES: OHIO 147 WASHINGTON COUNTY, OH Anchoring Modern Innovation in Historic Values FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF CANADIAN COMMUNITIES 159 RM OF ROCKWOOD, MB Building for Tomorrow BEST IN EDUCATION: ALBERTA, CA 171 LLOYDMINSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION Pathways with Purpose BEST IN EDUCATION: ILLINOIS 183 WEST HARVEY DIXMOOR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT Student Opportunity as Strategy BEST IN EDUCATION: INDIANA 195 PERRY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS Building Career Pathways Through Business Partnerships and Career Connected Learning 205 RUSH COUNTY SCHOOLS Cultivating Student Success and Community Pride 215 WESTFIELD WASHINGTON SCHOOLS Preparing a Life-Ready Workforce for a Rapidly Evolving Economy BEST IN EDUCATION: KANSAS 227 BASEHOR-LINWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Where Opportunity, Innovation, and Community Grow Together VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PERRY TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS LAKEVILLE, MN 195 123 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
BEST IN EDUCATION: MASSACHUSETTS 325 MENDON-UPTON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Empowering Learners to Thrive BEST IN EDUCATION: MICHIGAN 337 WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT Preparing Students for a Dynamic Future BEST IN EDUCATION: VIRGINIA 349 STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cultivating a Dynamic Workforce in Virginia BEST IN EDUCATION: MANITOBA 365 MANITOBA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION Leadership, Service and Advocacy BEST IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA 239 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM Students at the Helm 249 ST. CHARLES PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS Building the Workforce of Tomorrow in Louisiana’s Energy Corridor BEST IN EDUCATION: NEW JERSEY 261 ANDOVER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Inspiring Growth Through Community, Curiosity, and Connection 271 ESSEX COUNTY SCHOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY Building the Workforce of Tomorrow 281 FREEHOLD BOROUGH SCHOOLS Resilient by Design 291 GREAT MEADOWS REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Always Putting the Student Top of the Class BEST IN EDUCATION: NORTH CAROLINA 303 ALLEGHANY COUNTY SCHOOLS Always Rooted in Community 313 SAMPSON COUNTY SCHOOLS Building the Pipeline The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM 337 239 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO REQUIRE 100% DOMESTIC MATERIALS IN EV CHARGERS accelerate the installation of a national charging network and prevent bottlenecks with domestic producers of steel, iron and other materials. The temporary waiver applied to all EV chargers manufactured by July 1, 2024, and whose installation began by Oct. 1, 2024. Companies like Tesla, Love’s and Francis Energy Charging have greatly benefited from EV charging aid in recent years, securing $37.4 million, $57.1 million and $107.8 million, respectively, as of Feb. 12, according to data compiled by the National Association of State Energy Officials. The new waiver proposal, if finalized, would restrict funding for EV chargers unless they were primarily Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Nathan Owens, First Published Feb 13th, 2026 Renewable energy advocates say the proposal would further delay the buildout of charging station infrastructure and undermine U.S. competitiveness. The Federal Highway Administration designed the proposal as an incentive for manufacturers to shift their production domestically. The Trump administration said it believes that companies today are able to produce EV chargers in U.S. facilities, in part, because 2023 supply chain issues have subsided. The Biden administration allowed waivers to the existing 55% “Buy America” requirement to help Opening Lines 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
“essentially blocks the implementation of critical infrastructure” as the automotive industry shifts to EV production, she added. The waiver update would also affect the implementation of charging stations along America’s highways, funded under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure initiative. This $5 billion program, enacted in 2021, has been under attack by the Trump administration since the president took office. The administration abruptly and indefinitely froze the NEVI program last February, blocking the flow of federal funds to several states. A group, led by Washington, Colorado and California, subsequently sued the Transportation Department. A preliminary injunction lifted the freeze in June and the agency issued revised guidance for the program in August. Less than three weeks ago, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration violated federal law and ordered the Transportation Department to release obligated funds. Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, said in a statement that the new waiver update was just another attempt to kill NEVI and block the buildout of EV chargers. “Supporting American manufacturing is essential — but sabotaging a major infrastructure program and undermining U.S. competitiveness is not ‘America First,’” García said. The Federal Highway Administration will consider public comment on the waiver update over the next 30 days. made of materials produced in the U.S. Renewable energy experts say this is not feasible with today’s global supply chain. “Without corresponding domestic production capacity in place, this proposal would undermine the very manufacturing growth it seeks to promote,” Trisha Dellolacono, head of policy at Calstart, a Californiabased nonprofit focused on renewable transportation, said in a statement. The waiver’s existing 55% requirement reflects the reality that components like LCD displays, transformers, charging cables, circuit boards and other materials cannot be manufactured at scale in the U.S., Dellolacono said. Setting a 100% requirement 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
OPENING LINES MORE CITIES ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND MULTILINGUAL ACCESS TO SERVICES. COULD AI SPELL THE ANSWER? Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Ryan Kushner, First Published Feb 11th, 2026 Wordly launched an AI platform designed to expand real-time captioning and translations for local government operations. Multilingual communities are on the rise in the U.S. In Wordly’s survey, 61% of local governments reported an increase in non-native English speakers. To meet growing translation needs, many local governments are turning to AI. After Los Angeles County used AI translation tools for press conferences during the January 2025 wildfires, the Board of Supervisors started using the translation service during board meetings later that year. San Jose, California, Mayor Matt Mahan said the city council has seen a surge of Spanish speakers participating in meetings since the council started using Wordly AI services in 2024. Kansas City, Missouri, last year incorporated AI for real-time interpretation services during city meetings through its Office of Language Access, established in 2024. In June, Maryland launched a bilingual AI chatbot under Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model for accessing information about the state’s SUN Bucks food benefits program. New Orleans started offering AI translation services through Boostlingo at regular city council meetings in December. Whether residents will accept and trust AI translation services remains to be seen. A 2025 survey found 50% of U.S. residents were “uncomfortable” with government agencies using AI for public services. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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LIBRARIES ARE CENTRAL TO COMMUNITY LIFE. MANY ARE IN AGING BUILDINGS THAT ARE FALLING APART. OPENING LINES The researchers found that libraries offer much more than books, he said. “We heard stories about the high demand for meeting spaces in libraries, how some are emergency centers during extreme weather and how many are a resource center for unhoused individuals,” he said. “A library often has a central role and importance [in a municipality] these days.” However, maintenance and repair issues are keeping libraries from carrying out those missions, the report finds. Elevators, HVAC systems, flooring and roofs are most often flagged for replacement or repair — especially in older library buildings, which also are less resilient to natural disasters and extreme weather.The report estimates that 47% of the nation’s libraries are over 60 years old. Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Vicky Uhland, First Published Feb 11th, 2026 Most U.S. library buildings face deferred maintenance, aging systems and limited funding options that put core civic services at risk, a new GAO report found. The GAO report was based on a survey of about 16,400 public libraries in all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; and four territories. The GAO also visited 23 public and tribal libraries and conducted interviews with local, state and national library stakeholders for the report. About 81% of Americans live within a 10-minute drive of a public library, the report states. This “shows the extent to which libraries are important institutions across the country,” Marroni said. 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
and National Endowment for the Humanities funding for historic buildings. The biggest source of federal funding for libraries — the Institute of Museum and Library Services— provides grants for library programs and services but not for building construction or repairs. Marroni said libraries can also seek state, territorial or tribal funding and money from nonprofits and foundations that specialize in cultural institutions. For the most part, larger cities are aware of the issues with their library facilities, Marroni said. “But we did hear in many cases that smaller and medium-sized municipalities didn’t have a detailed account of the state of their library building because the people working there aren’t facilities managers — they’re librarians,” he said. “We heard anecdotally from smaller and medium-size libraries that they are more or less able to get by, but when something does break, that becomes a large issue because they don’t have the budget” to fix it. Although the large majority of libraries rely on local funding for maintenance and repairs, some federal financing is available, the report notes, including money from the American Rescue Plan Act, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program for rural libraries 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
OPENING LINES 6 INVESTMENTS TO MAXIMIZE CLIMATE RESILIENCE to manage a typical disaster. Half of the respondents said resilience efforts between the public and private sectors are poorly coordinated, and 59% said clearer processes and better resource allocation would have the greatest impact on improving those partnerships. DeCourcey said his first piece of advice for local community leaders is to engage the business community in disaster preparedness.“It’s in their selfinterest, too,” he said. “This isn’t any one sector’s responsibility,” Loconte said. “It has to happen across the board. We have to have a broad coalition of partners in order to effect change.” INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The report outlined six “levers of resilience” that communities should invest in to maximize the impact of their disaster preparedness spending: Source: www.smartcitiesdive.com, Robyn Griggs Lawrence First Published Feb 10th, 2026 Cities can get the most economic return on their preparedness spending — while protecting jobs and businesses — with these strategies, new research says. As the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s future hangs in the balance, cities and states are taking on more responsibility for disaster preparedness and recovery. And even in this era of tight municipal budgets, now is not the time to reduce preparedness spending, research from Allstate, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its foundation found. Every dollar not invested in disaster resilience today could result in up to $33 of lost future economic activity after a disaster, according to “Beyond the Payoff: How Investments in Resilience and Disaster Preparedness Protect Communities.” Furthermore, the research found that resilience funding stabilizes local labor markets. In hurricane-prone areas, it can prevent the loss of more than 70,000 jobs. “Before now, no one’s really put a dollar figure to this — where there is a return on investment,” Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, told Smart Cities Dive. “Preparedness seemed like a good thing to do, but how do you quantify it? That’s where we dug in — and we made some really remarkable discoveries that it’s not just about physical damages, but it’s also economic impact. And that’s the real eye-opener.” “For local towns and communities and cities, the message that has to get through is that these are investments in the economy,” Rich Loconte, senior vice president of government and industry relations at Allstate, told Smart Cities Dive. A survey of emergency managers, risk professionals and state and local officials conducted for the report found that only 15% believe the U.S. is “very prepared” 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
4. Governance and cross-sector leadership. Establish mutual aid agreements, streamline interagency coordination and align resilience strategies with local priorities to improve operational efficiency and ensure cohesive disaster response and recovery. 5. Civic engagement. Launch public awareness campaigns, engage community-based organizations and promote household-level preparedness to build trust, strengthen social cohesion and empower communities to act. Performance measurement and accountability. Implement resilience scorecards, conduct risk modeling and integrate performance metrics into planning and budgeting to support evidencebased decision-making and demonstrate return on investment. 1. Risk-informed design. Adopt and enforce hazardresistant building codes, improve access to risk data and incentivize compliance to reduce structural vulnerability and long-term recovery costs. 2. Infrastructure and pre-disaster mitigation. Modernize infrastructure using resilient design principles and nature-based solutions and integrate resilience into capital improvement planning to minimize service disruptions and reduce response costs. Every dollar invested in mitigation can save an average of $6 in future disaster costs, according to the report. 3. Economic continuity and diversification. Support small business resilience and contingency planning, expand insurance coverage, invest in workforce development and strengthen supply chains to enhance economic stability and accelerate recovery. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
OPENING LINES FAA RECOMMENDS SPATIAL DISORIENTATION TRAINING FOR BUSINESS AIRCRAFT PILOTS aircraft was in a steep dive. However, the more complex and sophisticated the aircraft being flown, the more difficult it is to recognize the approach of spatial disorientation. “Unfortunately, there are very few signs of spatial disorientation,” said Thomas Zeidlik, director of aerospace physiology at the University of North Dakota. “According to the FAA, 80% of all aircraft accidents involve some sort of spatial disorientation, and the majority of those are unrecognized disorientation.The pilot is flying along thinking everything is fine until suddenly the ground, or a hill comes out of the mist.” AWARENESS IS KEY At UND, students have access to state-of-the-art fullSource: nbaa.org.,New Editor, First Published Jan/Feb Issue The rare, good thing to come out of aircraft accidents is that they can lead to recommendations to prevent future accidents. A fatal helicopter crash in 2020 attributed to spatial disorientation has prompted the FAA to recommend that pilots operating under Part 91, 91K and Part 135 receive training that helps them recognize and avoid conditions where spatial disorientation can occur. According to the recently released FAA Information for Operators (InFO) 26003, the training will be done using scenario-based exercises in a combination of ground school, simulator application and inflight instruction. Unusual attitudes and recovery are taught early in primary flight training. It often involves the pilot applicant closing their eyes while their instructor rolls the airplane into a 30-degree bank or initiates nose-up or nose-down pitch, then having the pilot applicant open their eyes, note the horizon and recover to level flight. This same procedure is part of instrument training while the student is wearing a view-limiting device. After recognizing the unusual attitude, they recover. WHAT IS SPATIAL DISORIENTATION? If a pilot does not recognize they are in a nose-high or nose-low situation, they are likely experiencing spatial disorientation – a condition where there is a conflict between visual references and the body’s sensory system, such as the inner ear. Without visual references, such as a horizon, it is easy to become confused about which way is up. Without situational awareness, the pilot may try to “correct” a perceived issue and do the opposite of what is required – for example, “correcting” a nosehigh attitude by pushing the nose down when the 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
to take prompt and correct action before the situation becomes unrecoverable,” he said. “This is done by learning when disorientation is likely to occur and being ready for it. The worst thing a pilot can do is assume it will never happen to them.” TRUST THE INSTRUMENTS NBAA Safety Committee member Norman Dequier, director of flight operations at Aviation Performance Solutions, noted that APS has been providing the type of training referenced in the FAA InFO for many years, emphasizing the basic mantra of “trust the instruments,” which has been drilled into pilots since primary training. “When a pilot becomes overloaded in a spatial disorientation event, the ability to ‘trust the instruments’ becomes far more difficult, as pilots may be interpreting and relying on instrument indications they have never previously experienced in flight,” Dequier said.“This increases the likelihood of reverting to instinct and sensory input rather than instrument data. “Notably, approximately 90% of loss-of-control inflight events occur while operating on instruments,” added Dequier. “If pilots are to be adequately prepared for this reality, they must be exposed to upset recognition and recovery while flying on instruments – not solely in visual conditions.” Instrument-based upset recovery training is essential, Dequier said, both to build competence in interpreting unfamiliar instrument presentations and to develop the confidence required to act decisively when visual cues are absent or misleading.That includes training pilots to rapidly diagnose the situation and execute a predefined recovery sequence to return the aircraft to a stabilized condition. “While simulation is an essential component, a blended approach using both simulator and in-aircraft training is markedly more effective,” Dequier said. “Inflight training exposes pilots to the sensory effects of load, pitch and bank excursions under instrument conditions, while simulators allow safe exposure to class-specific scenarios that cannot be practiced airborne, such as IMC, night or proximity to terrain.” As with all flight training, the more pilots practice a scenario, the better they become at addressing it in the real world. motion simulators where they can experience spatial disorientation in a controlled environment. Scenarios culled from actual accidents – like the California accident that killed basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others in 2020 – are used in the training.Awareness of the situations that can lead to spatial disorientation is key, Zeidlik said. “We constantly drive home the phrase ‘recognize and recover,’” Zeidlik added, noting that even when students know something is coming, they can still end up in a situation where they fight hard to recover but are unsuccessful. “The focus of the training is to get to the point that you can recognize spatial disorientation early enough 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
OPENING LINES EPA FOREWORD REDUCING EMISSIONS AND CREATING A CLEAN FUTURE • www.epa.gov/brownfields/r1-success-storyunion-station-springfield-mass • www.epa.gov/brownfields/r1-success-storybartlett-station-boston-mass • www.epa.gov/brownfields/denver-copromoting-transit-oriented-development-todand-affordable-housing In addition, a recent case study of the Shipyard Project in Green Bay, WI, was made into a video published this summer.This video is an example of a transportation hub that integrates land redevelopment and community engagement, as well as the importance of sustainability as it pertains to growth. A script is available if desired. PORTS -The EPA Ports Initiative is focused on reducing emissions from diesel equipment operating at ports. The program promotes clean air best practices at U.S. ports that improve efficiency, enhance energy security, save costs, and reduce harmful health impacts. The Ports Initiative website offers a wide variety of technical tools and resources for port stakeholders to reference when adopting next-generation technologies and planning practices at ports, as there is a significant range of older equipment in operation at ports across the country. In particular, the Best Clean Air Practices for Port Operations page provides information and case studies about best practices at ports to reduce diesel pollution, including outcomes and lessons learned. Building on the EPA Ports Initiative, the Clean Ports Program (CPP) awarded nearly $3 billion for clean port equipment and infrastructure, as well as planning activities at U.S. ports across 26 U.S. states and territories. These projects will improve air quality at ports while bolstering America’s industrial base and creating high-quality and good-paying jobs. Funded projects are ongoing and outlined on the Clean Ports Program Awards webpage. Updates on technology deployment and other project outcomes will be made publicly available as projects are completed. TRANSIT - EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants that are instrumental in transforming brownfields sites into community assets, including for public transit and transportation. Brownfields sites are often located within developed areas where the infrastructure needed for public transit already exists. EPA’s Brownfields Program presents a wide range of success stories describing projects that converted once neglected sites to boost local economies and enhance the quality of life for nearby residents. Here are a few examples of Brownfields public transit and transportation successes: • www.epa.gov/brownfields/r1-success-storyfonda-site-st-albans-vt 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
• www.semspub.epa.gov/work/02/372925.pdf • www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment/ superfund-sites-reuse-utah#midvale • www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment/ superfund-sites-reuse-michigan#pmc EPA’s Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation’s most contaminated land and responding to environmental emergencies, oil spills, and natural disasters. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment program works with communities to provide sitespecific reuse support and help return Superfund sites to productive use, including for public transit and transportation. The Superfund Program offers a few examples of the many cleanup success stories throughout the history of the Superfund Program. A number of Superfund success stories relate to transportation and reuse, for example: • www.cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/ SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second. redevelop&id=0100580 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE PLAINVIEW, TX BUILDING OPPORTUNITY ON THE HIGH PLAINS DUMAS, TX STRATEGIC GROWTH TAKING SHAPE IN THE TEXAS PANHANDLE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS (TAB) ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ONLINE ARTICLE BEST OF TEXAS 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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BUILDING OPPO ON THE HIGH PLA PLAINVIEW, TX AT A GLANCE PLAINVIEW, TEXAS WHAT: A city of 20,000 welcoming growth, diversification, and opportunity WHERE: Hale County, Texas WEBSITE: www.plainviewtx.org A CLEAR VISION THAT ASKS ITS RESIDENTS TO “EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES.” 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
ORTUNITY AINS Rising from the wide-open high plains of Texas and known for its blue skies and stunning sunsets, the city of Plainview is anchored in history and guided by a clear vision that continues to move the community forward. This identity is captured in its motto,“Explore the Opportunities,” reflecting Plainview’s optimism and progress, even in the face of adversity. A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY Farming remains both a legacy and a livelihood in Plainview, even as the city welcomes new opportunities. Mayor Charles Starnes shares, “We’re in an agricultural area. If you go on to Google Maps and look down on us, you’ll see circles of the pivot irrigation systems just literally covering everywhere. We have some folks that grow cucumbers around here, but primarily cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat.” 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
The closure of the Cargill meatpacking plant, which once employed more than 2,200 people, proved to be a pivotal moment for the community of approximately 20,000 residents. “They closed their doors in February of 2013 and so we had a pretty high unemployment rate for a while,” he recalls.“We got lots of help from the Small Business Administration and from the state of Texas, and we executed a wonderful plan to upgrade our businesses.” Today, Plainview is home to DSM Semichem, producers of electronic-level sulfuric acid needed for semiconductor manufacturing and a supporting company to the Samsung chip factory being built just outside of Austin. “They had a partnership with local Martin Industries, who manufacture sulfuric acid for the agricultural community, and come to find out they need that in chip manufacturing as well,” Economic Development Director Kristi Aday elaborates. “It was an unexpected addition to the economy of Plainview, but one that fit very well. We’ve also got a new piping company here that supplies Samsung. It’s a new niche for us that we’ll continue to build on.” Larson International’s amusement ride manufacturing operations are another major employer and are currently in the process of bringing a roller coaster museum to the community. The city is also home to one of the largest cornmeal plants in North America. “They employ about 300 people and make 80% of the cornmeal for Taco Bell tacos,” says Starnes. Legacy Air is another remarkable Plainview enterprise.“They make light sport planes, and they’re also engaged in the oil and gas industry for drone inspection of electrical wires and oil fields,” he reports. The city is also attracting new industry through the development of the Plainview-Hale County Business Park. “One of the key outcomes from the closure of Cargill is this community coming together and planning its future. That was the start of the Plainview-Hale County Business Park,” Aday recounts. “We’ve got 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
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successful in Hale County: food manufacturing and logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial uses,” she maintains. “We also know that most community growth comes from businesses already operating here, so it’s important that we continue nurturing those successes.” Plainview also benefits from the presence of Wayland Baptist University, a four-year institution founded in 1908 that now offers three doctoral programs.“We’ve got some really strong things going, and the town is moving in a good direction,” Starnes notes. “We about 120 acres of shovel-ready property: electric, gas, internet, broadband, water, and sewer are all extended to the Park and ready for development.” Located directly along Interstate 27, the park offers exceptional logistics access and high visibility. This ideal position has already attracted Western Equipment, a John Deere dealership that built a brand-new 40,000-square-foot facility, a decision Aday says has been hugely successful. “We are targeting industries that have already proven 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
@walmart walmart.com POWERING WALMART’S PROMISE, FROM DISTRIBUTION TO DOORSTEP Walmart’s distribution network is the engine behind its people-led, tech-powered business. At the heart of the company’s supply chain, Walmart distribution centers ensure products move seamlessly from suppliers to stores—and directly to customers—at unmatched speed and scale. Strategically located across the country, Walmart’s diverse network includes general merchandise, grocery and perishable facilities, import and e-commerce fulfillment centers, and specialty operations for returns and high-value items. Together, they reduce transportation time, improve product availability, and keep shelves stocked when customers need them most. People are central to Walmart distribution’s success. Thousands of skilled associates manage inventory, pick and pack orders, load outbound shipments, and uphold rigorous safety and quality standards. Supported by team leads and managers, associates benefit from ongoing training, career development, and a strong culture of continuous improvement. Advanced technology enhances every step of the process. Real-time inventory systems, digital workflows, automation, and cross-docking improve accuracy, reduce costs, and increase efficiency—while Walmart’s private truck fleet and transportation teams ensure reliable, on-time delivery. 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
just keep moving forward and try to build strong amenities for our citizens, strong education for our children, and good shopping to keep the sales tax rolling in.” REBUILDING THE HEART OF THE CITY Plainview’s downtown revitalization further exemplifies the city’s vibrancy. “We were a typical West Texas small town where commerce had exited the downtown area,” acknowledges Mayor Starnes. “Now we have a new generation of entrepreneurs opening businesses downtown.” The City helped stimulate this growth through a major streetscape renovation in its downtown corridor.“We are nearing completion of our streetscape project, another initiative from the planning efforts after the Cargill closure,” he adds.“We now attract people from all over West Texas to shop and dine in Downtown Plainview. It’s exciting to go downtown.” This reinvention was the result of a master plan supported by state grants and the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), says Assistant City Manager Jeff Johnston. “The TIRZ allows us to 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
As Plainview continues to grow and diversify, Wayland Baptist University plays a vital role in the city’s educational, workforce, and economic development. The university’s residential campus anchors the community, drawing students, faculty, researchers, and visitors whose presence supports local businesses and contributes to regional vitality. A defining feature of Wayland’s academic impact is its world-class undergraduate research. Through programs such as the Welch Summer Research Program, students participate in highlevel scientific inquiry alongside faculty mentors, gaining experience often associated with much larger universities. That work is supported by new, state-of-the-art science laboratories, where students receive hands-on training using advanced equipment in biology, chemistry, and related disciplines—preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, research, graduate study, and STEM fields. Wayland offers a broad portfolio of degrees in business, education, nursing, behavioral sciences, and the humanities, while WBU Online extends that academic quality to working adults and students beyond the region. Complementing the academic mission is a proud athletic tradition, highlighted by the legendary Flying Queens basketball program, one of the most successful women’s teams in collegiate history. For more than a century, Wayland Baptist University and Plainview have grown together— educating generations, expanding opportunity, and shaping lives. OF Wayland Baptist University | wbu.edu Mentored by world-class faculty with a Christian perspective, Wayland students have spent 20 years pushing scientific boundaries. Their RecA research, led to global-first tuberculosis breakthroughs in two areas in 2024—proving undergraduates can do more than dream. They can discover. Senior Dylan Dodd uses a near UV/ blue light to detect a fluorescent protein bioengineered into a bacterial culture, providing a glowing positive control for comparison to the target RecA protein. Scan to read the full story.
put revenue captured from rising property values right back into downtown.” Through the TIRZ program, building owners receive reimbursement grants for essential infrastructure improvements such as roofs, electrical systems, plumbing, and interior upgrades. “Like any historic downtown, the issue is infrastructure,” continues Aday.“The buildings are old and charming, but they need significant updates to be ready for the public.The purpose of the TIRZ is to help bring them up to code so businesses can open.” Betty Faye Beauty Bar, Cavalier Men’s Clothing, and numerous other retail and service enterprises became early success stories, showcasing the results of these investments. “It was amazing how quickly businesses began to pop up in the downtown, buying those old buildings, getting some of this money to help with the costs that are needed to open their business,” remarks Johnston. This, in turn, inspired others to open shop in the core. Frontier Market 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
is one example, bringing their beef storefront to the downtown. Communications Director Christine Lockridge highlights, “They saw the walkability, the events that we were having downtown. They saw what was happening, and they opened their business there.” HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE As Plainview’s economy grows, housing has become a main priority.“We did a housing survey a few years ago and found that over half the people working in Plainview live outside the city limits,” Mayor Starnes conveys. “So, we’re in the process of getting new housing developments going.” Efforts include expanded utility investment and infrastructure incentives that will attract development.“That study did key in on certain areas where we’re lacking housing. That’s anywhere we could support market-rate apartment complexes, duplexes, all the way up to low-income, middleincome, and even high-income housing,” Johnston 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
shares. “One thing Plainview does have is lots of land. So, part of our strategic plan is to start moving water and sewer into those areas to help with the development process.” One notable project is the transformation of the historic Hilton Hotel into the Conrad Lofts. Built in the 1920’s, the building was the seventh in the Hilton Hotel chain, operating in Plainview until the late 1980’s.“It had become so worn out and hard to maintain that it closed down,” depicts Mayor Starnes. “We had this eight-story building in town with no purpose.” To preserve this important landmark, the City worked with a development company that bought the property using tax incentives to convert the hotel into 28 downtown apartments.“So that was one of the big successes, and that, of course, brought the building back as a valuable piece of property for our property taxes,” he says. THE NEXT CHAPTER When it comes to the future, City Manager Ted Chancellor sees extraordinary potential ahead. “Plainview’s growth is the result of years of planning and investment, and we’re now positioned to continue that progress sustainably,” he says, pointing out a major interstate expansion through the nation’s Ports-to-Plains project, a robotics enhanced Walmart distribution center, excellent healthcare through ATMOS ENERGY IS FUELING SAFE AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES Compassion to give back to the communities we serve is woven into the culture of Atmos Energy. We are committed to supporting education, showing appreciation to our hometown heroes, and providing assistance to our neighbors in need. We are proud to play a vital role in the communities we serve with our time, talent, and resources. 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
families and businesses find appealing,” he emphasizes. “With direct access to Interstate 27 and its recent federal designation for expansion, strong career and technical pathways through our local colleges, and a skilled regional workforce, Plainview is positioned for long-term connectivity and growth. When a company like Walmart invests Covenant Health, and continued investment in roads and utilities, all of which will continue to make the city stronger. Plainview sits in a strategic regional sweet spot, offering proximity to both Lubbock and Amarillo while maintaining a community scale that many 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Walmart www.walmart.com Walmart is a leading American multinational retail corporation operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. Renowned for its low prices and extensive product selection, Walmart serves millions of customers worldwide, focusing on affordability, convenience, and everyday value. n Wayland Baptist University www.wbu.edu Founded in Plainview, Texas, Wayland Baptist University is an institution of higher education offering residential, online, and external campus degrees. Wayland prepares students for professional success through rigorous academics, personal attention, and a commitment to integrity, community engagement, and opportunity—its mission since 1908. n High Plains Concrete Plainview 806-293-8313 • Tulia 806-995-4311 High Plains Concrete, located at 3200 Canyon Street in Plainview, Texas, is family-owned and operated. Incorporated November 1, 1969, by TC and Peggy Wall, and in 2005, sold to sons Clinton Wall and Bert Wall, High Plains Concrete is a ready-mix concrete industry serving Plainview/ Hale County and its surrounding communities. here, it reinforces that this is not just local optimism; it is external validation from a global company that sees real value in the community. ”As the city continues to embrace new opportunities, Plainview remains a vibrant community, confidently building its future. Highlighting a continued focus on business attraction, housing and infrastructure development, and community amenities, Starnes underscores,“We’re going to get all sorts of exciting things happening here in Plainview over the next year.” 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 PLAINVIEW, TX
n South Plains College www.southplainscollege.edu South Plains College is a two-year community college that empowers students and transforms communities across the greater South Plains area of Texas. The institution offers innovative technical education, health sciences, continuing education, and workforce development programs. SPC has proudly served the students of this area for over 65 years. n Atmos Energy Corporation www.atmosenergy.com Atmos Energy safely delivers reliable, affordable, and efficient natural gas in over 1,400 communities across eight states. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. 34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
DUMAS, TX STRATEGIC GROW SHAPE IN THE TEX AT A GLANCE DUMAS, TEXAS WHAT: A strategically located Panhandle community leveraging location, industry, and collaboration to strengthen its regional role. WHERE: Located in the Texas Panhandle, approximately 45 minutes north of Amarillo WEBSITE: www.dumastx.gov TAKING IDEAS AND TURNING THEM 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
WTH TAKING XAS PANHANDLE M INTO DYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT Dumas, Texas, is defined by followthrough. Ideas move from discussion to execution, partnerships extend beyond formality, and long-term planning guides daily decision-making. This practical, results-driven approach has allowed the city to evolve steadily, strengthening its economy, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding opportunity while preserving the community connections that anchor it. 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
Situated along a key transportation corridor in the Texas Panhandle, the City of Dumas functions as a regional service and employment centre for surrounding communities. Its economy, historically rooted in agriculture and energy, is now strengthened by retail growth, industrial investment, workforce development initiatives, and targeted redevelopment projects that directly address local needs. WHERE RELATIONSHIPS SHAPE DAILY LIFE “Dumas is a very friendly town,” says Pat Sims, Mayor of Dumas.“It’s an older community where everybody kind of knows everybody, and people work together really well.” That sense of familiarity is a defining feature of life in Dumas. Residents benefit from the stability and trust that come with long-standing relationships, while also enjoying access to amenities and opportunities that exceed expectations for a city of its size. Mayor Sims, who moved to Dumas from nearby Happy, Texas, notes that the city provided both personal and professional opportunities. “We’ve really enjoyed living here and prospered here,” he adds, pointing to the strong community spirit that underpins the city’s growth. Located along a major highway that may one day become an interstate, Dumas enjoys a strategic position that supports both local life and regional connectivity. Agriculture and oil and gas remain economic pillars, supported by a growing mix of businesses that serve residents and visitors alike. INVESTING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY Dumas’s downtown core reflects the city’s blend of history and progress. Anchored by the courthouse square, Main Street remains an important gathering place for residents, small businesses, and community events. While downtown planning is largely guided by the Chamber of Commerce, city leadership continues to support beautification and walkability initiatives. Mayor Sims highlights the Texas Department of Transportation’s role in recent improvements.“They came in and redid our main street with concrete sidewalks and really beautified it,” he says. Downtown Dumas is home to a collection of locally owned businesses that residents are proud to support. Seasonal events—ranging from car shows to holiday celebrations—activate the square and reinforce its role as a social and cultural hub. “We’ve worked to make it walkable,” Mayor Sims explains.“You can move from one end of Main Street 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 DUMAS, TX
“We’re located very well geographically,” Cox says. Roughly 45 minutes north of Amarillo, Dumas draws shoppers and visitors from nearby communities such as Dalhart, Guymon, Stratford, and Sunray—many of which rely on Dumas for retail, dining, and services. In addition, approximately 18,000 vehicles pass through the city each day. Dumas serves as a key to the other, see the businesses, and support them. That matters to people here.” GEOGRAPHY AS AN ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE For Brandon Cox, Executive Director of the Dumas Economic Development Corporation, Dumas’s location is one of its most powerful economic assets. 38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
stop for travellers heading to Colorado, particularly during ski season and spring break. “A lot of people use Dumas as a halfway point,” Cox explains. “They’ll stay the night, shop, eat, and then continue their trip.” That steady flow of traffic supports a robust hospitality sector and provides a strong foundation for retail growth. LEVERAGING INCENTIVES TO UNLOCK OPPORTUNITY Retail and food service are among Dumas’s strongest economic drivers. For a city its size, Dumas has an unusually high number of hotel rooms, and occupancy often peaks during travel seasons and industrial turnarounds. “There are times you can’t get a room in town,” Cox notes. “That shows how much activity we have coming through here.” To support continued investment, Dumas has expanded its use of incentives, including tax abatements. One of the most notable examples is the redevelopment of a long-underutilized shopping centre. “The city, county, and hospital district hadn’t done many abatements in the past,” Cox explains. “This was new for us, but it went well and helped get the project across the finish line.” REVITALIZING A KEY COMMERCIAL HUB The redeveloped shopping centre is now a symbol of Dumas’s momentum. Bealls clothing store has 39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 DUMAS, TX
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