JULY 2025 VOL 06 BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL & MUNICIPAL SAGINAW TOWNSHIP MI BIG-CITY ASSETS, SMALL-TOWN CONNECTIVITY ALSO IN THIS ISSUE LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON • EASTON, MD • SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY GARY FAHNDRICH, TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
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 06, ISSUE 07
EDITOR’S NOTES Dear Readers, It seems as if we blink our eyes and a year passes with ease. I am finding it hard to believe as I write the editor’s letter to our valued readers that July is here when I feel that last July seems like just a few months ago. The hazy and lazy days of summer have officially arrived. Many backyard barbecues and hot weather swims in the local pool beckon, as well as time well spent with family before we gear up for another school year. It may be a summer vacation for many families, however the organizations that we had the chance to interview, as well as civic governments, airports and associations across North America, are in full gear rolling out new investments and economic initiatives that speak to increased productivity and an equally sunny few months ahead. Every one that we covered for our July issue has come out on top by every measure with all signs pointing to a winning third fiscal quarter. For our July issue, we touched down at Florence Regional Airport, Las Cruces International Airport, Morgantown Municipal Airport and Yakama Air Terminal-McAllister Field. We caught up with Aviation Directors from these dynamic aviation hubs. With a master plan in place, confidently meeting continued aviation growth, and playing a vital economic link to the region, these airports continue to see aviation growth and are part of the overall vision propelling these airports through 2025. From the air to the city streets below, we had the opportunity to profile some thriving and dynamic municipalities for our July issue. We flew to the heart of each of these communities and undercovered what their recipe for continued growth and success entails while striving to meet resident demands. Business View’s pages are filled with engaging features with city officials from Alachua, Florida, Augusta, Ontario, Black Diamond, Washington, Clemson, South Carolina, Dover, Delaware, Fairfield, California, Franklin, Ohio, Manor, Texas and Newberry, South Carolina among other fast-growing municipalities. Each municipality we covered in July showed continued growth numbers and ambitious plans to push further towards continued success for the third financial quarter of 2025. Turning to business growth we also covered impressive and fast growing companies and organizations including Consolidate Minerals Inc, Gonyea Custom Homes, Kenwood Telecom, Lucid Bots, Locke Supply Co. and Zentro Internet among others. As the July sun strengthens, all these companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and point their economic GPS towards further growth. Our July issue also continues to bring you our popular school district series. We had the opportunity to sit down with school officials from several leading school districts to discuss the pivot to the changing demands of the economy and their innovative approaches to ensure students are college and career-ready while always being put first. We spoke with the James Bay Lowlands Secondary School, Marion Independent School District, Dilly Independent School District, Miami Trace Local School District, North Dakota State College of Science and the School District of Indian River County among others . With thriving masterplans, each school division shows strides and is adapting to the challenges ahead. As we continue to bring you sector and industryfocused features, we will keep a keen eye on current economic developments and business readiness to provide the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
CITY VIEW 23 ALACHUA, FL Small-Town Roots with Big-Tech Vision 33 AUGUSTA, ON A Community of Opportunity 43 LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON Balancing Rural Charm and Urban Progress 57 PRESCOTT, ON Small Town, Big Moves 67 WEST NIPISSING, ON Northern Ontario’s Bilingual Powerhouse 77 BLACK DIAMOND, WA A Beautiful Destination VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 COVER SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 87 CAMILLA, GA The Architecture of Big Ambitions 97 CLEMSON, SC Ambitious Plans in Motion 107 NEWBERRY, SC South Carolina’s Small-City Success Story 117 DOVER, DE Full Speed Ahead: A Capital City’s Bold Decade of Change 131 EASTHAMPTON, MA The Every-Persons Town 141 LAKEVILLE, MA Lakefront Paradise 151 SOMERSET, MA A Blueprint for Sustainable Small-Town Prosperity 161 EASTON, MD Main Street Meets Main Stage 171 DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD Rewriting the Suburban Playbook LAKEVILLE, MA LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON 141 43 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 181 EMPORIA, VA Crossroads and Comebacks 191 FAIRFIELD, CA A Vibrant City of Cultivated Growth and Community 201 SUISUN CITY, CA Seize the Day: From Vision to Vitality 215 FLORISSANT, MO A Historic City with Both Feet Firmly Planted in the Future 225 FRANKLIN, OH Along the Great Miami River 235 GLEN COVE, NY From Gatsby’s Shore to America’s Hidden Gem 245 LINDENHURST, NY A Model of Downtown Revitalization and Collaborative Growth 255 MILTON, NY How a Small Town Leverages Its Airport for Smart Growth 265 VAN BUREN, NY A Quaint and Welcoming Town VAN BUREN, NY OLIVE BRANCH, MS 265 295 275 SOUTH RIVER, NJ From Stagnation to Vision 285 GREENWOOD, MS A Historic City Forging a Vibrant Future 295 OLIVE BRANCH, MS Southern Hospitality At Its Best 305 WEST POINT, MS A Model Community Making Significant Leaps 315 LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI Growing with Purpose and Pride 325 SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI Big-City Assets, Small-Town Connectivity 335 MANITOWOC, WI Beyond the Factory Floor 349 MANOR, TX United in Vision, A Community by Choice 359 SOLON, IA Community At Its Heart 369 WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA The Strategic Heart of Bucks County’s Growth 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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. EDUCATION 381 DILLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom 391 JAMES BAY LOWLANDS SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARD & MOOSONEE DISTRICT SCHOOL AREA BOARD Creating Futures in the Far North 401 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A Community-Centric Approach to Education and Innovation 415 MIAMI TRACE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Building Futures, Grounded in Community 425 OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT Community-Driven Educational Excellence 435 FLORIDA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (FSBA) Empowering Local Leadership OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT DILLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 425 381 445 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (FASA) Shaping Florida’s Educational Future 455 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Innovating Education and Redefining Student Success 465 TORNILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A Rural District with a Big Vision 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
CITIES DRIVE MOST U.S. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: REPORT Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Michelle M. Havich, Editor, First Published July 10th, 2025 Cities account for 90.8% of the U.S. GDP, according to the 2025 Metro Economies Report. The U.S. Conference of Mayors released the report, which S&P Global Market Intelligence prepared, at its annual meeting in June.The report found that cities account for 89.5% of personal income, 92.1% of wages and salaries, 88.2% of employment, 90.3% of employment change and 86.4% of population. The gross metro product of the top 10 metro areas ($9.67 trillion) exceeds the output of 37 states ($9.45 trillion), the report states. In 37 states, metro areas contribute more than 80% of the state GDP. “The vast majority of the growth that we see in the U.S. economy is really driven by the 386 metros in the U.S.,” Karen Campbell, associate director, consulting, with S&P Global Market Intelligence, said when presenting the report at the USCM meeting. National trends and recent policies will “impact the metros’ ability to really be that engine of growth,” she said.Thus,“our forecast “shows soft growth in the near term reflecting the fallout from tariffs, higher inflation, diminished fiscal tailwinds and restricted Opening Lines 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Campbell said has been contracting over the past two years and will continue to do so in 2026.“Investment is what creates growth, and investment takes time to play out and realize those returns on investment. So, every year that we … have lower investment is another year of those returns not coming back as quickly.” Housing is also a factor in economic growth, and Campbell noted some concerning data in that market. “The National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index dropped to 32 in June,” Campbell said.“That’s the third-lowest reading since 2012. Meanwhile, most of the top 100 metros have continued to post rising prices [for housing]. So, we’re continuing to see those prices rise as we don’t see as much supply coming in the market.” S&P Global Market Intelligence expects the housing price index to rise more slowly, she said.“With a 5.4% increase in prices in 2024, we’re looking at a pace of about 3.3% increase in 2025 and 2.7 [% increase] in 2026.” In looking at the map of 2024’s GMP growth, Campbell pointed out that “domestic terrorist, counterterrorism, [and] trade policy uncertainty pose significant nearterm challenges for state exports and metro exports and the industries that supply them. … we do see a big risk in a lot of manufacturing-heavy metro areas.” Campbell said that all states saw some year-overyear employment growth in the first quarter, but “it’s not as fast as the pace that we saw even just a year earlier.” Job growth will continue to decelerate across the country, she said, and the firm is “watching the federal job cuts for the D.C. area, for the Maryland, Virginia metro areas. We’re expecting them to be particularly hard hit in coming years.” Fed policy.” S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts 1.3% U.S. GDP growth in 2025, followed by 1.7% growth in 2026, according to the report. Cambell said that 2% GDP growth is “our threshold for what we need to … maintain the standard of living. … When you’re below 2% [growth], you’re below the potential of the economy … to create the growth that’s needed to maintain the standard [of] living.” Several factors affect growth, including employment and labor markets and business investment, which 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Ryan Kushner, Editor, First Published July 2ndth, 2025 When it joined the Vision Zero program in 2015, the city of Bellevue, Washington, set a goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on its streets by 2030. One of the latest tools the city is implementing to help achieve that objective is artificial intelligence. Palo Alto, California-based Archetype AI is working with the city on a pilot program to monitor pedestrian safety and urban mobility in real time. The AI tool, known as “Newton,” can adjust traffic signals and enables “instant incident detection and response,” according to a press release. While many language-learning AI models such as ChatGPT are trained using text and images from the internet, Newton is trained on sensor data, according to Archetype AI Co-Founder and COO Brandon Barbello. “It’s built to understand things like continuous and real-time camera streams,” Barbello said. In Bellevue, 53% of pedestrian fatalities and serious ARCHETYPE AI IS HELPING THIS WASHINGTON CITY MONITOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN REAL TIME 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Transportation awarded last year and will conclude in August. Bellevue is not alone in its attempt to increase pedestrian safety with AI. Sarasota, Florida, is also adding AI to traffic cameras to document nearmiss crashes and illegal pedestrian crosses, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, has incorporated AIpowered monitors that will flash a yellow light to drivers if someone is crossing the street. Many cities have invested in sensors over the past 10 to 20 years, but the ability to fully analyze the data collected has been limited, Barbello said.AI has the ability to ease that workload. “You want visibility across all the intersections, to be aware of what’s going on and summarize what has happened,” Barbello said. “Before, that would have been a lot of work to compile all that data.” “People can’t be everywhere all the time,” Barbello added. “These sensors are.” A recent Granicus survey of 1,400 public employees found that 40% were using AI in some capacity. Asked how they thought AI would affect their work and office in the future, 80% said it would “help with repetitive tasks” and 75% said the technology would “save time.” Barbello, who previously worked on AI products for Google, sees the future of AI in government as a way to preserve institutional knowledge, a feature he is often asked about by clients. “There are deep experts that have been there for decades, and a lot of those experts are approaching their retirement,” Barbello said.“How do you preserve that institutional memory, and help the next generation carry on and go farther?” “It isn’t about the AI becoming the expert or replacing the expert,” he added.“It’s about the AI as a repository of knowledge that can be passed down era after era.” And unlike previous methods or tools, AI can continue to learn, Barbello said. injuries are linked to motorists’ failure to yield. It’s through traffic signal technology with video analytic features that the city hopes to pinpoint and minimize risks for pedestrians. “For example, if the signal detects one of these people may need more time to cross or there are many people in the crosswalk, it can extend the ‘Walk’ cycle to allow them to safely cross,” the city stated in the outline of its Safer Signals Pilot Program, which the city began last month in two neighborhoods with high foot traffic. The pilot program was funded by a $1.43 million grant from the U.S. Department of 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES MAYORS DEMAND ORDERLY, TARGETED IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Michelle M. Havich, Editor, First Published July 24th, 2025 The U.S. Conference of Mayors called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to notify local authorities before conducting raids, to conduct actions “in as orderly a way as possible” and to “focus its deportation actions on convicted serious criminals and not hardworking individuals who pay taxes and contribute to the local and national economies.” The mayors adopted the resolution during the group’s annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday. Maintaining public safety is a top priority for all mayors, the resolution states, and “working with their police chiefs, community leaders and residents they have had great success in doing this in recent years.” Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, praised Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her steady leadership during ICE raids and the deployment of National Guard members and Marines to quell protests in the city earlier this month. “The federal government’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles without consent and, indeed, over the objection of the governor, is an unprecedented overstep,” he said during a press conference announcing the resolution. Ginther, who introduced the resolution, said it “is a critical step towards ensuring that federal actions respect our communities, prioritize genuine threats and uphold the fundamental rights of residents.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said that during a recent raid in his city, several ICE agents came to a popular restaurant on a Friday night looking for “a handful of dishwashers, bus boys, waiters and waitresses.” “You had a large incursion into the restaurant” by “military-esque immigration enforcement,” he said during the press conference. “They stayed over an hour. During that hour of time, word spread through the community that this was happening. Nearly 200 San Diegans showed up to express their opposition to this kind of enforcement.” Following “a very tense exchange” with residents, ICE agents used flash bangs, explosive devices that give off blinding light and make loud noises, to disburse the crowd. The immigrants ICE detained in the raid “to my knowledge, have no criminal histories,” Gloria said. “Because of the coordination, or lack thereof, my officers were called to respond to that situation. The radio calls were for hundreds of people in the streets that were protesting and blocking the traffic,” he said. The presence of armed ICE agents at a local restaurant “puts everyone at risk, including the federal agents that were doing their jobs that day,” he said. Gloria said the event has galvanized the community, but it was a dangerous situation that could have 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
trust to be effective. “What I am seeing today in America, unfortunately, is an erosion of that trust of law enforcement, and it’s largely because of what’s happening. Not the fact that we’re having immigration enforcement, but how immigration enforcement is occurring in cities.” Dyer objected to how ICE agents are operating in cities: everyday use of tactical gear, their tactics and their lack of coordination with local law enforcement. He also objected to the federal government not seeking permission from local jurisdictions to deploy the National Guard or military troops. “Because at the end of the day,” he said,“it’s local law enforcement and it’s the mayors that have to deal with what has occurred in that city.” been avoided. He said he met with Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) to voice his concerns and suggest there was a better way for ICE to achieve its goals than raiding a restaurant on a busy weekend night. Fresno, California, Mayor Jerry Dyer, who served for 40 years in the Fresno Police Department — the last 18 as the police chief — said that “for police officers to be effective within the cities in which they police and the neighborhoods in which they police, they must be seen as a welcome presence. They cannot be seen as an occupying force.” “Unfortunately, what we are seeing today in many cities across America, including LA, is an occupying force,” he said. Dyer said police officers must have the community’s 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
WHY BUS SERVICE CUTS SHOULD BE THE LAST RESORT FOR TRANSIT AGENCIES OPENING LINES Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Laramie Bowron, Editor, First Published July 18th, 2025 As transit agencies and municipal mobility planners deal with budget shortfalls and mounting fiscal pressures, the temptation to cut transit bus service can seem like an expedient solution. However, this approach is not only shortsighted but risks undermining the economic, social and environmental goals that public transit is meant to advance. A closer look at ridership trends, demographic shifts and the broader impacts of service reductions reveals why maintaining and even improving bus service levels should be a top priority in 2025. THE REAL COST OF SERVICE CUTS Recent warnings from major transit agencies underscore the dire consequences of slashing service. In Chicago, proposed cuts could eliminate up to 74 of 127 bus routes, end all weekend bus service on some lines and reduce paratransit by as much as 66%. Pittsburgh faces a 35% reduction in service and fare hikes exceeding 9% if new funding is not secured, with officials warning that “there is nothing left to cut from the budget but service.” In Metro Vancouver, halving bus service would leave more than half a million people without convenient access to transit, exacerbating congestion and stalling economic activity. These scenarios are not unique.Across North America, agencies are sounding the alarm: once service is cut, it can take a decade or more to rebuild ridership and restore lost routes. The impact is not limited to lower-income riders; it ripples through the entire economy, affecting employers, businesses and the region’s competitiveness. CHANGING RIDERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS The profile of the typical transit rider is evolving. While bus service has long been a lifeline for lower-income communities, recent surveys and ridership data show that a broader cross-section of the population is relying on transit. For instance, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose, California, found through its onboard surveys that ridership is diversifying, with more young professionals, students and service-sector workers using buses.This shift reflects changing urban living patterns and a growing preference for sustainable mobility options. Moreover, agencies like Portland, Oregon’s TriMet and San Jose’s VTA have reported increases in bus ridership following targeted improvements in service reliability and frequency. These gains are especially notable given the challenges posed by the pandemic and changing commuting patterns. The lesson is clear: people respond positively to better service, and the benefits extend well beyond traditional demographics. IMPROVED SERVICE DRIVES RIDERSHIP Investing in service quality — not just new vehicles or flashy ribbon-cutting ceremonies — has proven to be the most effective way to grow ridership. While new buses and stations are important, they do not, on their own, attract new riders. What matters most is reliability: buses that arrive on time and at predictable intervals.Agencies that have focused on 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
on transit. The loss of mobility options can also drive up household transportation costs, increase car dependency and erode the tax base as people and businesses relocate to more accessible areas. MICROTRANSIT AND TECHNOLOGY: NOT A PANACEA While microtransit and other on-demand solutions are gaining attention, they are not a substitute for robust, frequent fixed-route bus service. Agencies consistently report that what riders want most is reliable, frequent service on existing routes — not experimental pilot programs or niche services. Technology can and should be leveraged to improve scheduling, real-time information, and fare collection, but the core of any successful transit system remains a strong network of well-operated bus lines. Funding uncertainty and the need for advocacy Tariffs, inflation and unpredictable federal and state funding streams add further complexity to transit agency budgets, making long-term planning difficult. This uncertainty should not be used as justification for service cuts. Instead, it highlights the urgent need for advocacy and coalition-building among agencies, municipalities and the public to secure sustainable funding models. Agencies must communicate the real-world impacts of service reductions and work with stakeholders to prioritize transit as an essential public good. ELEVATING SERVICE, NOT CUTTING IT Transit agencies know that service cuts are a last resort — one that risks irreversible damage to mobility, equity and economic vitality. The evidence is clear: Improved service levels drive ridership; support changing demographics and deliver farreaching benefits that extend well beyond traditional public transit-dependent populations. As agencies confront fiscal challenges, the focus should be on optimizing operations, advocating for stable funding and delivering the reliable, frequent service that communities need to thrive. Cutting bus service may offer short-term budget relief, but it comes at a steep and lasting cost.The path to a vibrant, resilient transit future lies in elevating service-not reducing it. improving on-time performance and streamlining schedules have seen measurable increases in ridership, often without having to add more vehicles to the road. Better on-time performance means agencies can do more with less. By optimizing schedules and reducing delays, it is possible to maintain or even expand service coverage without incurring the costs of additional buses or operators. This approach is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of riders, who value dependability above all else. THE BROADER IMPACT OF SERVICE CUTS Cutting bus service is not just a blow to mobility for lower-income residents, it is a setback for the entire community. Service reductions disproportionately affect shift workers, seniors, students and people with disabilities, but they also undermine economic growth, increase congestion and worsen air quality. In regions facing service cuts, employers in health care, hospitality, and other essential sectors report difficulty retaining workers who can no longer rely 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES BIZAV CYBERSECURITY CHECKLIST: THREATS ARE RISING – ARE YOU PROTECTED? Source: nbaa.org, Editor, First Published July 27th, 2025 Although recent headlines about aviation cyberattacks have focused largely on airline incidents, the lessons for threat awareness and prevention apply to business aircraft operations. “Cyberattacks on major commercial airlines and aviation vendors have exposed systemic vulnerabilities that extend beyond the airline sector and directly into the realm of business aviation,” said Hany Bakr, senior vice president of aviation and maritime security at MedAire. “Business aircraft operators, while less visible in the public eye, are increasingly becoming attractive targets due to their association with oftennoteworthy passengers, sensitive operational data, perceived environmental impact of the flight and the perception of having less mature cybersecurity frameworks.” Bakr said operators registered in countries that are party to conflicts, or those seen as politically aligned, are particularly vulnerable to state-sponsored cyber intrusions and “hacktivist” attacks. While business aircraft operators may be less frequently targeted by hackers, exposure of sensitive passenger data and interruption of navigation, communications or surveillance are significant risks. Bakr urges operators to remain vigilant about 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
• Remain aware of geopolitical situations in areas that may impact cyber security • Train crews on GPS spoofing/jamming responses • Stay up to date on international cyber regulations and reporting requirements “Foster a culture of cyber awareness,” Bakr said.“Train crew, maintenance teams, dispatchers and IT support on cybersecurity best practices, phishing recognition and data handling protocols. Raising awareness amongst crew and ground staff is essential for robust cyber-defense.” potential global navigation satellite system interference, including jamming and spoofing, especially when operating near active conflict zones. “There has been a noticeable uptick in incidents involving GPS spoofing that misdirects aircraft, jamming that disables navigation systems and misidentification risks in contested airspace due to deviated flight paths,” Bakr explained. Bakr’s cyber-attack mitigation checklist includes several common-sense recommendations: • Establish and routinely test a cybersecurity incident response plan • Encrypt and tightly control access to passenger and operational data 16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
TOP 10 CITIES IN WISCONSIN TO INVEST IN (2025) Wisconsin, known for its natural beauty, strong Midwestern values, and economic resilience, has become a compelling destination for investors. With a healthy mix of urban growth, college-town stability, and affordable small-city markets, the Badger State offers opportunities for both short and long-term investment strategies. From high-demand rental hubs to up-and-coming lakeside communities, here are the top 10 cities in Wisconsin to consider in 2025. 1. MILWAUKEE Why Invest: As Wisconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee boasts a red-hot rental market, with high occupancy rates, a growing tech scene, and significant redevelopment projects. Opportunities: Multi-family housing, student rentals near Marquette and UWM, and value-add properties in neighborhoods like Bay View and Walker’s Point. 2. MADISON Why Invest: The state capital is anchored by the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a booming biotech and IT sector. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. Opportunities: Student housing, high-end rentals downtown, and long-term buy-and-hold properties in tech-corridor suburbs. 3. GREEN BAY Why Invest: With home prices still below national averages and strong appreciation over the past five years, Green Bay is ideal for investors seeking affordability and long-term growth. Opportunities: Single-family rentals, short-term housing for Packers fans, and long-term holds in revitalized neighborhoods. Major developments underway through partnership with JBS. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in Green Bay (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities in Wisconsin 2025) 4. OSHKOSH Why Invest: Recently ranked among the hottest housing markets in the U.S., Oshkosh combines affordability, strong local demand, and a scenic lakefront setting. Opportunities: Student rentals (UW–Oshkosh), lakefront vacation homes, and mid-priced fix-andflip properties. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in OshKosh (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities in Wisconsin 2023) 5. SPARTA Why Invest: Known as the “Bicycling Capital of America,” Sparta has a small-town vibe and steady housing demand, especially among military families near Fort McCoy. Opportunities: Rental properties for service members, BRRRR opportunities, and short-term vacation homes. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in Sparta (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities in Wisconsin 2024) 6. RACINE Why Invest: Racine offers lakefront access and is CITIES IN WISCONSIN TO INVEST IN. 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
making it a sleeper pick for long-term investors. Opportunities: Entry-level homes, short-term rentals near the lakefront, and workforce housing. *Check out Business View’s upcoming article on Development and Growth in Manitowoc (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities in Wisconsin 2025) BONUS – LADYSMITH (2X BVM AWARD WINNER ) Why Invest: A hidden gem in northwestern Wisconsin with low entry costs and increasing interest from outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Opportunities: Affordable long-term rentals and vacation homes near the Flambeau River. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in Ladysmith (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities in Wisconsin 2024 and 2025) 2024 - BusinessViewMagazine.com/brochures/dec2023/Ladysmith-Wisconsin/ 2025 - BusinessViewMagazine.com/brochures/dec2024/ladysmith-wi/ FINAL THOUGHTS Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, Wisconsin offers diverse and rewarding markets to explore. Cities like Milwaukee and Madison provide scale and stability, while emerging markets like Oshkosh and Manitowoc offer great entry points and potential upside. With strong economic fundamentals and a rising demand for both rental and owner-occupied housing, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year to invest in the Badger State. part of the expanding Milwaukee metro area. It has shown strong price appreciation while remaining investor-friendly. Opportunities: Duplexes, vacation rentals, and downtown commercial/residential hybrids. 7. COLUMBUS Why Invest: Just northeast of Madison, Columbus combines small-town living with access to metro amenities. It has a growing commuter population. Opportunities: Starter homes, family rentals, and suburban-style developments. Madison provides a business friendly environment quickly becoming a center of industry and innovation. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in Columbus (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities Under 10K Population in Wisconsin 2024) 8. EAU CLAIRE Why Invest: A vibrant college town with a growing arts scene and population, Eau Claire appeals to young professionals and students alike. Opportunities: Student housing, downtown loft conversions, and value rentals for health care workers. 9. MAUSTON Why Invest: Located near Wisconsin Dells and several state parks, Mauston offers value pricing with tourism potential. Opportunities: Vacation rentals, weekend getaway properties, and long-term holds in a growing recreational corridor. Business attraction, development and housing. *Check out Business View’s article on Development and Growth in Mauston (selected as one of the Best Managed Cities Under 10K Population in Wisconsin 2024) 10. MANITOWOC Why Invest: This smaller lakeside city is gaining attention for its affordability and quality of life, 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH CAROLINA ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ONLINE ARTICLE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NJEDA) ONLINE ARTICLE MASSECON ONLINE ARTICLE NORTH CAROLINA LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS (TAB) ONLINE ARTICLE BLACK DIAMOND, WA A BEAUTIFUL DESTINATION PRESCOTT, ON SMALL TOWN, BIG MOVES ALACHUA, FL SMALL-TOWN ROOTS WITH BIG-TECH VISION AUGUSTA, ON A COMMUNITY OF OPPORTUNITY LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON BALANCING RURAL CHARM AND URBAN PROGRESS WEST NIPISSING, ON NORTHERN ONTARIO’S BILINGUAL POWERHOUSE 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
NEWBERRY, SC SOUTH CAROLINA’S SMALLCITY SUCCESS STORY CAMILLA, GA THE ARCHITECTURE OF BIG AMBITIONS CLEMSON, SC AMBITIOUS PLANS IN MOTION DOVER, DE FULL SPEED AHEAD: A CAPITAL CITY’S BOLD DECADE OF CHANGE SOMERSET, MA A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL-TOWN PROSPERITY SUISUN CITY, CA SEIZE THE DAY: FROM VISION TO VITALITY FRANKLIN, OH ALONG THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER MILTON, NY HOW A SMALL TOWN LEVERAGES ITS AIRPORT FOR SMART GROWTH FAIRFIELD, CA A VIBRANT CITY OF CULTIVATED GROWTH AND COMMUNITY EASTHAMPTON, MA THE EVERY-PERSONS TOWN FLORISSANT, MO A HISTORIC CITY WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY PLANTED IN THE FUTURE GLEN COVE, NY FROM GATSBY’S SHORE TO AMERICA’S HIDDEN GEM VAN BUREN, NY A QUAINT AND WELCOMING TOWN LINDENHURST, NY DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND COLLABORATIVE GROWTH DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD REWRITING THE SUBURBAN PLAYBOOK EMPORIA, VA CROSSROADS AND COMEBACKS LAKEVILLE, MA LAKEFRONT PARADISE EASTON, MD MAIN STREET MEETS MAIN STAGE 20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
city view OLIVE BRANCH, MS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST WEST POINT, MS A MODEL COMMUNITY MAKING SIGNIFICANT LEAPS SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI BIG-CITY ASSETS, SMALLTOWN CONNECTIVITY SOLON, IA COMMUNITY AT ITS HEART LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI GROWING WITH PURPOSE AND PRIDE MANOR, TX UNITED IN VISION, A COMMUNITY BY CHOICE MANITOWOC, WI BEYOND THE FACTORY FLOOR WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA THE STRATEGIC HEART OF BUCKS COUNTY’S GROWTH GREENWOOD, MS A HISTORIC CITY FORGING A VIBRANT FUTURE SOUTH RIVER, NJ FROM STAGNATION TO VISION 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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SMALL-TOWN R BIG-TECH VISIO ALACHUA, FL AT A GLANCE CITY OF ALACHUA, FL WHAT: A progressive small city balancing tech innovation with historic Main Street revitalization and sustainable infrastructure investments WHERE: Alachua County, Florida WEBSITE: www.cityofalachua.com 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
ROOTS WITH ONA THRIVING COMMUNITY BLENDING HISTORIC CHARM AND CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION TO CREATE A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH. Alachua, Florida embodies a rare duality. “Our history is a small town, but we match that with technological innovation and forward thinking,” says Interim City Manager Rodolfo Valladares. This forward-thinking spirit fuels Alachua’s economic vitality, where cutting-edge projects like the solar-powered San Felasco Tech City, home to 65+ tech companies, coexist with a bustling Main Street. With “several subdivisions under development” and infrastructure like debt-free electric substations, Alachua meets growth demands while preserving community. For families and businesses alike, Alachua proves tradition and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive. 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
COMMUNITY LIFE & MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION Alachua’s quality of life shines through its recreational gems and vibrant Main Street. The crown jewel is Legacy Park, a 105-acre facility opened in 2017. “It’s a top-notch facility and one of the largest in the County,” says Valladares. Its 40,000-square-foot gymnasium, amphitheater, and multipurpose fields serve as a hub for residents. This complements the longstanding Hal Brady Recreation Complex, forming what Valladares describes as “the original home of Alachua’s recreation program.” The city’s beating heart remains its historic Main Street. “The primary focus of our Community Redevelopment Agency is creating a vibrant downtown district,” explains Valladares. “Their projects range from beautification to helping prevent and remediate blighted areas within the corridor.” The Main Street’s unique winding layout, free from highway traffic, allows for easy closures for events. “It’s unique because it’s no longer a major thoroughfare,” Valladares explains, “It is conducive to hosting special events because it doesn’t cause a large burden on traffic.” The city frequently uses this unique ability to close streets for beloved community events. “We have an annual harvest festival, a tree lighting, and a Christmas parade that the community looks forward to,” Valladares notes, highlighting how these gatherings strengthen Alachua’s small-town character. Initiatives like facade renovation grants help local businesses thrive, preserving what Valladares calls “an historic and diverse main street” of mom-andpop shops, consignment stores, and tech-forward spaces like Michele Lee’s Good Life Station, a smart city café.“It is evolving,”Valladares adds.“Businesses are starting to find a good balance in what they offer to the community.” ECONOMIC BOOM: OPEN FOR BUSINESS Alachua’s economic landscape thrives on diversity and entrepreneurial energy. “The City is absolutely open for business,” says Economic Development 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
Manager David Wisener, “we’re blessed to be in a pretty good overall situation community-wide.” “I would say the most booming aspect of our local economy at the moment, we have a distribution center network where we have several local distribution centers ranging from Walmart to Sysco to Dollar General,” Wisener explains. He highlights Tower Hill Insurance’s upcoming headquarters as another key driver, noting it will bring “another three to four hundred jobs for our community.” The bio-life science sector, supported by UF Innovate, stands out as “one of the largest per capita in the state,” with Wisener noting its 30-year history of spinning off successful businesses. Entrepreneurs fuel this momentum.“We’re thankful for a lot of entrepreneurs that have already invested and continue to invest in our community,” says Wisener. “Mitch and Michele are two of those that have been incredible help to our community just with their entrepreneurial spirit and the developments that they’re a part of.” This synergy between established industries and innovators positions Alachua as a powerful hub.“It’s a very diverse economy that on the whole is thriving,” concludes Wisener. SAN FELASCO TECH CITY: A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH San Felasco Tech City represents Alachua’s bold vision for sustainable development. “It’s an 82-acre campus that is fully sustainable on solar. It’s the only campus like that in the world which is providing for commercial space, housing, and other ancillary services,” says Mitch Glaeser, CEO of Emory Group Companies. The mixed-use development combines commercial space with residential units and unique amenities including a brewery, preschool, and soon-to-open CrossFit gym. With 65 companies already calling it home and plans for an additional 270,000 square feet of tech space, the project demonstrates remarkable momentum. The development prioritizes eco-friendly living with 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Our commitment to Exchange members and customers: TRUST Tower Hill has been protecting homes and businesses since 1972. You can trust that we’ll be there when you need us, so you can have peace of mind all year long. No matter the square footage, location, or architecture, your home is your castle. It may be one of your largest financial investments on paper, but we understand that it’s so much more in all the ways that really count. Your home is where you and your family should feel safe, protected, and confident that, if the unthinkable happens, Tower Hill will be there to help you rebuild. When your home truly feels like your castle again to you, we know we’ve succeeded as your insurance company. To Protect Your Castle, Look to the Tower. To learn more about Tower Hill or find an agent near you... Visit THIG.com or call 800.342.3407
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME: TOWER HILL INSURANCE CELEBRATING 50+ YEARS & BEGINNING THE NEXT CHAPTER For more than half a century, Tower Hill Insurance has served as a trusted name in property insurance, safeguarding homes and businesses across Florida and beyond. Founded in 1972 in South Florida, today the company is one of the most respected regional residential and commercial property insurers.Tower Hill is known not just for longevity in the Florida marketplace, but for leadership, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to its customers and agencies. By its very nature, insurance is a business of risk. Of course, there are many strategies for managing risk and growing a company. For more than 50 years, Tower Hill has taken the view that marketplace challenges are — in reality — marketplace opportunities. From weathering Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to expanding its footprint across 10 states within the last decade,Tower Hill’s story is consistently one of evolution and purpose.With headquarters in Gainesville and over 550 employees, the company has steadily grown while staying grounded in its core values: service excellence, integrity, and trust. “Our purpose is simple but powerful, to deliver peace of mind,” says CEO Kirk La.“We’re here to protect what matters most to our customers, and to be there when they need us most.” That promise is lived out every day through Tower Hill’s wide range of personal and commercial products, from homeowners and flood coverage to policies for retail centers, assisted living facilities, and homeowners associations. Products are offered exclusively through a broad network of insurance agents, viewed as valued partners in delivering excellent service to Tower Hill customers. In 2026, Tower Hill will mark another milestone and begin a new chapter: the relocation of its corporate headquarters to a new facility in Alachua, Florida. The location of Tower Hill’s new home reflects the company’s deep Florida roots and long-term commitment to the state. What sets Tower Hill apart isn’t just its history or even its financial strength — it’s the trust built over decades with customers and partners alike. Through cutting-edge technology, a robust reinsurance program, and a focus on fair and timely claims handling, Tower Hill continues to evolve while always staying true to its mission: To Protect Your Castle, Look to the Tower.
walkable design and bicycles included with every rental home. “It really looks at taking a community and immersing itself in nature. It’s a fascinating proof-of-concept community,” Glaeser says. Its adjacency to 7,000 acres of nature trails with 30 miles of bike paths enhances its appeal. “We take advantage of a lot of the natural elements, including wetlands and also parks,” he adds. Strategically located just nine miles from the University of Florida, the tech hub taps into what Glaeser calls “some of the brightest people in the world.”This talent pipeline, combined with the city’s infrastructure and quality of life, creates what he describes as “a very warm and inviting community” for global companies. The project’s success validates Alachua’s progressive approach. “It was a bit of a risk but has certainly proven to be an asset to the community,” Glaeser notes, highlighting how the city’s support for innovative development has paid dividends in economic growth and community building. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING CRISIS Alachua is proactively responding to Florida’s housing shortage with strategic developments. “At the various stages of application and development review, there are a total of more than 2,000 units in process,” reveals Valladares. This surge follows a decade of commercial growth that outpaced residential construction, creating what Valladares calls “one of the larger challenges for our community.” 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
demonstrate the city’s approach of sustainable, integrated communities that complement existing infrastructure. CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: THE BACKBONE OF GROWTH Alachua’s infrastructure investments provide the foundation for its growth. “We wouldn’t have the positive growth we’ve undergone if decades of local leadership hadn’t prioritized infrastructure,” notes Valladares. “The city has invested millions of dollars in The challenge lies in balancing expansion with community character. “Some people want it to remain the same small town they remember from childhood,” Valladares acknowledges. “Our challenge,” he adds, “is maintaining our community’s character and historic appeal while balancing the reality that Florida’s population has been growing at a fast rate for several years, and we want to provide our residents with a high quality of life that includes affordable housing.” Developments like those in San Felasco Tech City 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
infrastructure,” he says, highlighting projects like the new wellfield that addressed water resiliency after Hurricane Irma. The city’s dual electric substations, including a $5.5 million facility energized debt-free in 2020, now deliver “the lowest residential power rates in the state.” With wastewater treatment operating at just 55% capacity and proactive expansion plans underway, Alachua ensures it can support development without strain.“ For a city our size, we’re likely more equipped for smart growth than any city in the state Valladares states. By prioritizing infrastructure before demand peaks, Alachua avoids the growth pitfalls of overpromising, instead delivering reliable services that attract businesses and residents alike. VOICES OF ALACHUA: MICHELLE LEE’S STORY Michele Lee’s journey epitomizes Alachua’s appeal to modern entrepreneurs.“I came from Miami looking for some serenity and a lifestyle that was a little more gentle,” she explains. “At the same time, I couldn’t give up the tech contacts and vendors that I needed because we are an international company.” Drawn by San Felasco Tech City’s innovation ecosystem, she established her automation company, Optimal Station, while launching Good Life Station on Main Street, a hub showcasing local history while hosting tech workshops. Her Entrepreneur Thrive Success Series, offered with the Chamber, provides practical training for local businesses on keeping up with technology from social media to AI. “Those small businesses and boutiques that don’t necessarily have marketing departments, also have access to the resources and information,” Lee explains. For Lee, this hands-on support fulfills a deeper mission. “I fell in love very quickly with the 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Tower Hill Insurance www.thig.com Founded in 1972, Tower Hill Insurance is a regional leader among residential and commercial property insurers. Financial strength, product expertise, a comprehensive reinsurance program, and exceptional claims service are core business strategies. Headquartered in Florida with more than 550 employees, products are distributed through a network of insurance agencies. n Alachua Chamber of Commerce www.alachuachamber.com community and got heavily involved into some of the organizations to make some initiatives come to life that were important as a business owner and to just support other business owners,” she explains. The community connection became personal when her children relocated to Tech City. Now meeting them weekly at the farmers market, Lee embodies Alachua’s winning formula, where career opportunities and family life strengthen each other. “I wear a couple of different hats in the community, but all focused on really just the initiatives to work together, and to build a community that we can thrive in,” she reflects, distilling the city’s collaborative spirit. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE As Alachua looks ahead, Valladares outlines two clear priorities.“”Managing our residential inventory” he says, and revitalizing Main Street. “We always monitor infrastructure, but we’re at a place where we can focus more on molding our community character,” he says, noting plans to rejuvenate Main Street “into a unique destination for residents and visitors.” These goals reflect the city’s balanced approach, meeting growth demands while preserving character, proving strategic vision and community focus can thrive together. As Valladares notes, the challenge lies in doing it “with the big picture in mind and in a sustainable way,” a philosophy that has already made Alachua a blueprint for small-city success. 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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