VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 | OCT 2023 Also in this issue AMERICAN FORK, UT • STRONGSVILLE, OH • DUNELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION NAVIGATING THE FUTURE; COLLEGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S BLUEPRINT FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Safe-Ed For a safe and secure learning environment. Pg. 285 Cunat Building Today for Tomorrow’s Dreams Pg. 121 Superintendent Dr. Doug Wheeler
1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Mike Luchetta Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Dan Marcharia Thomas Lark Director of Production Justin Morrice Director of Administration Abel Espinosa Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Creative Director Steph van Antwerpen Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink TI TLE 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
2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 EDI TOR ’S NOTES It won’t be long before we see the leaves start to drop from the trees and the days shorten as Autumn is slowly creeping up on us. Families are turning their attention away from summer activities and focusing on the school year ahead. Following suit, companies across the US and Canada as well as the many diverse municipalities are also switching gears with their focus turned towards the fourth quarter of 2023 and what lies ahead. At Business View Publications, we too are focused on an exciting lineup of features that we will be bringing you in this issue and for our Autumn publications that are in the works. For this issue, we had a chance to sit down with executives representing some of the country’s most dynamic companies to discuss their upcoming business agenda. We also spoke with representatives from a host of some of the fastest-growing regions across the US to determine how they are anticipating economic expansion and still putting their valued residents first. Our September issue is brimming with success stories that we are eager to share with you as you enjoy the last few days of the lazy hazy days of summer. Capturing the momentum of commercial and residential development as well as the design know-how to bring construction projects to life filled our pages for this issue. We bring you in-depth features with leading players in the field including Beachfront Builders, CW & Sons Infrastructure, and Bloomin Blinds as well as giving you a realtors perspective with an exciting feature profiling First Weber, a leader in the homes market. Aero Instruments and Avionics, IntelliTrak, Lenze Americas, Spirac USA, Superior Fresh, and Stober Drives also topped our feature list of innovative, forward-thinking industry leaders we were fortunate to profile in our September issue. Each of the companies we profiled showed the resilience to bounce back from pandemic woes and show revenue numbers that are heading skywards. Economic growth is ripe and infrastructure initiatives have taken center stage for the municipalities that we interviewed. We sat down with city officials from Clayton, New Jersey, Corpus Christi, Texas, Fayette County and Fitzgerald, Georgia, Middleton, Wisconsin, Logansport, Indiana to Shafter, California and Warrenville, Illinois. As business retention and attraction numbers continue to rise and upgrades to vital municipal services are in full swing for these regions, all without exception are ensuring that the needs of their residents take center stage. Also flying through the quarter of 2023, are some of the fastest-growing regional airports in the US and we spoke to their Airport Directors for a frontrow seat into some of their upcoming plans to meet increased aviation traffic. We were fortunate for September’s issue to profile Monroe International Airport, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport as well as Ogdensburg International Airport for a birdseye view into airport initiatives taking off for these busy aviation hubs. With all our profiles we hope that our valued business leaders learn a little something new about their relevant business sector as well as something about key developments within other business sectors that may serve to increase productivity and represent a model to strive for. As we continue to bring you features covering the very best in business, aviation, and municipal developments, we hope that the last days of summer are spent with family and friends, enjoying relaxing fun, and building great memories for the year ahead. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers,
3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 79 CYPRESS COUNTY V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 0 19 LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES CITY VIEW 19 LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES Through resilience, Minnesota Cities weather challenging times 25 AMERICAN FORK, UT A visionary community balancing tradition and progress 35 CABOT, AR Providing a small-town feel with many big-city amenities 45 CITY OF CARROLLTON, GA A vibrant city with unmistakable Southern charm 55 CHESTER COUNTY, SC A promising hub for growth and economic development 65 CORPUS CHRISTI, TX The Gulf Coast Capital 79 CYPRESS COUNTY, AB How Cypress County is pioneering progress and possibilities in Alberta COVER COLLEGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES
4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 Continuously improving is at the core of BrandPoint Services’ DNA. Every job is surveyed and reviewed as part of our quality-control process, ensuring that we delivered on our promise. But we don’t stop there. We find opportunities to deliver an even better experience from location to location, project to project. When you choose BrandPoint, you won’t need to manage multiple suppliers. From painting and flooring to repairs and remodeling, BrandPoint is the solution for expert project management and quality work across North America. Learn how BrandPoint Services can help you improve your next multi-site program. BrandPointServices.com 800.905.4342 PAINTING • GRAPHICS • FLOORING • SURVEYING • GENERAL REPAIRS © 2021 BrandPoint Services, Inc. Improving
5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP 149 SPRING HILL, KS V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1 0 89 EDGEWATER PARK, NJ 100 Years in the making 99 FOREST PARK, GA ‘A small city with big plans for the future 109 HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, NJ A rural suburban gem with a rich history and vibrant present 119 MCHENRY, IL Where community spirit meets progress 133 OTTAWA, IL A beacon of economic development 139 RUTHERFORD, NJ Big Apple bedroom community takes a bite out of new city-led initiatives 149 SPRING HILL, KS The blueprint of a thriving community in the making 159 STRONGSVILLE, OH Vibrant suburb with a bright path ahead 169 TILLSONBURG, ON Leading in economic growth, housing solutions, and quality of life 179 TROUP COUNTY, GA Georgia’s sweet spot 193 YARMOUTH, MA A masterclass in balancing preservation and innovation 109
6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 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. TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT 287 201 CANDLER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Welcoming opportunities for student success 211 CALHOUN CITY SCHOOLS , GA Nurturing excellence 221 COLLEGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Navigating the future; College Community School District’s blueprint for educational excellence 231 DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS A Beacon of Safety and Excellence 241 DUNELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION Duneland’s Odyssey towards Educational Excellence 255 GREENBRIER SCHOOLS An empowering approach to the future of education 266 HURST-EULESS-BEDFORD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Celebrating 65 Years of Academic Excellence and Student Achievement 276 LAKESIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT Lakeside School District, Hot Springs Arkansas; Putting kids first 287 TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT A part of something bigger EDUCATION
7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 FAA PROPOSES RULE TO LIMIT COMMERCIAL SPACE VEHICLES DEBRIS Source-https://www.avweb.com/aviation, Kate O,Connor, First published Sept 21, 2023 FAA has proposed a rule designed to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles, citing the need to “reduce the potential for collisions with spacecraft and satellites to promote a sustainable space environment.” According to the agency, current estimates put the number of orbital objects measuring 10 cm or greater at over 23,000 with projections for objects between 1 and 10 cm coming in at one-half million. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) focuses on how commercial operators will be required to dispose of the upper stages of their launch vehicles. “If left unchecked, the accumulation of orbital debris will increase the risk of collisions and clutter orbits used for human spaceflight and for satellites providing communications, weather and global positioning system services,” the FAA said. “By strictly limiting the uncontrolled reentry of upper stages, the FAA seeks to mitigate the risk to people on the ground and in flight due to its significant size and mass and the uncertainty of where it will land.” O p e n i n g L i n e s
8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 The NPRM (PDF) lays out five upper stage disposal options including conducting a controlled reentry, moving it to a less congested storage or graveyard orbit, sending it on an Earth-escape orbit, retrieving it within five years and performing an uncontrolled atmospheric disposal or natural decay within 25 years. The FAA noted that the proposed rule would “align commercial space orbital debris mitigation practices with those accepted by the U.S. government for its space missions.” The rule will be open for public comment for 90 days following its publication in the Federal Register. According to the agency, current estimates put the number of orbital objects measuring 10 cm or greater at over 23,000 with projections for objects between 1 and 10 cm coming in at one-half million.
9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 OPENING LINES Source - https://nbaa.org/, First published Sept 21, 2023 The North Atlantic (NAT) Systems Planning Group recently announced impactful changes to oceanic crossing procedures in the region – oceanic clearances with route, altitude and speed will no longer be issued after April 9, 2024. New lost communications contingency procedures also will soon be published. Andreas Meyer, the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC’s) director, ICAO liaison, explained increases in air traffic, plus the expanded use of data communications (DataComm), led to these changes. “These procedure changes are the result of several years of discussions among stakeholders and regulators,” said Meyer. “The current oceanic clearance procedures made sense in the past, but more modern and dynamic tools are better suited to meet the performancebased navigation and flight operations.” Most of the time, pilots are cleared for the exact route, altitude and speed they filed, Sam Schofield, specialty and enrichment instructor at FlightSafety International, explained. “Unless you’re getting a change to the routing, you’re essentially cleared in accordance with your flight plan,” said Schofield. “Pilots should be prepared – you won’t get a NORTH ATLANTIC OCEANIC CLEARANCE CHANGES COMING IN 2024
10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 full clearance like you’re used to.” However, Schofield said these procedures are already being used in other regions and even in the North Atlantic in some cases, with controllers simply relaying “cleared as filed.” “For operators working worldwide, the NAT will start to sound more like the Pacific has for a long time,” said Schofield. “The change is just how we hear things and what we should expect.” Experts encourage operators to conduct recurrent international operations training to familiarize their pilots with this change. FlightSafety International is revising its international operations courseware to highlight new procedures. These procedure changes are the result of several years of discussions among stakeholders and regulators,” said Meyer. “The current oceanic clearance procedures made sense in the past, but more modern and dynamic tools are better suited to meet the performance-based navigation and flight operations.
11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 OPENING LINES Source-https: https://www. americancityandcounty.com/Andy Castillo First Published, 18th September 2023 As communities across the United States work to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, trees and green spaces have emerged as an economical and effective solution. To help cities and counties bolster their green spaces, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $1 billion in funding Thursday for 385 projects nationwide. “These investments arrive as cities across the country experience record-breaking heat waves that have grave impacts on public health, energy consumption, and overall wellbeing,” said Tom Vilsack, agriculture secretary in a statement. The investment is “supporting communities in becoming more resilient to climate change and combating extreme heat with the cooling effects of increased urban tree canopy, while also supporting employment opportunities and professional training that will strengthen local economies.” The grants, which are competitive and financed through the Inflation Reduction Act, are intended to help administrators combat climate change and improve access to nature for constituents “in cities, towns and suburbs in cities, towns, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play. Communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. Territories and Tribal Nations are receiving funding,” a statement about the investment says. The awarded organizations and communities were selected from 842 applications, which requested more $6.4 billion in funding. Notably, the $1 billion investment represents the largest single USDA Inflation Reduction Act investment USDA INVESTS $1 BILLION TO PLANT TREES, EXPAND GREEN SPACES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE The grants, which are competitive and financed through the Inflation Reduction Act, are intended to help administrators combat climate change and improve access to nature for constituents “in cities, towns and suburbs in cities, towns, and suburbs where more than 84% of Americans live, work, and play.
12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 to date in urban and community forests. The statement notes that the high number of applications is indicative of a substantial need for more trees and green spaces. “Studies show that trees in communities are associated with improved physical and mental health, lower average temperatures during extreme heat, and increased food security, and create new economic opportunities,” the statement says. “This historic funding will help the Forest Service support projects that increase tree cover in disadvantaged communities, provide equitable access to the benefits of nature, and deliver tangible economic and ecological benefits to urban and Tribal communities across the country.” Those selecting the award winners took into account environmental justice, and used the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool to help identify disadvantaged communities. The mapping tool identifies disadvantaged communities that face burdens in the categories of climate, energy, health, housing including nature deprivation, legacy pollution, transportation, water and wastewater, workforce development, and other socioeconomic thresholds, the statement says.
13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 OPENING LINES Specifically, the funding will enable building owners to invest in technologies like geothermal energy systems, heat pumps, insulation and air sealing, wind- and fire-resistant roofing, low embodied carbon materials, and other measures, that will reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions and make properties healthier and safer for residents in the face of more severe weather and changing climate, the statement continues. This is the first round of awards that have been released, with additional rounds to be awarded throughout 2023 and 2024.HUD also recently announced almost $30 million for housing organizations that serve people with HIV/AIDS. Another $7 million in Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants will go to 14 communities—$500,000 each—for neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment plans. The grants are intended to improve resident outcomes and bring new amenities to highHUD AWARDS 28 MULTIFAMILY SUBSIDIZED PROPERTIES $18 MILLION FOR GREEN ENERGY RETROFITS, MODERNIZATION Source- https://www.americancityandcounty.com/ Andy Castillo, First Published 19, September, 2023 The challenges of retrofitting legacy properties to modern standards can’t be understated—both practically and fiscally. The latest investment of $18 million in funding through the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program announced last week by the U.S. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is intended to help property owners participating in assistant multifamily housing programs overcome these challenges and modernize their buildings. The investment, which is the program’s first round and will be distributed in a combination of grants and loans, comes through the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated more than $800 million in grant and loan subsidies, and another $4 billion in loan commitment for the housing department’s retrofit program. The Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funding represents “a significant investment in communities that typically do not receive this type of assistance yet are often the most adversely affected by climate change,” said Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon in a statement. In total, the money will go to 28 multifamily properties across the nation, housing more than 3,400 HUD-assisted multifamily rental homes for low-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Nottingham Towers in Waterbury, Conn., for example, will receive a $743,283 loan, and Alpha Towers in Toledo, Ohio will receive a $750,000 grant.“Today’s awards from HUD will bring the benefits of clean energy and climate resilience to hardworking American families in states across the nation,” said John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation. It is the first HUD program to simultaneously invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, climate resilience, and low embodied carbon materials in HUD-assisted multifamily housing, according to the statement. Investments under the program will be made in affordable housing communities serving low-income families.
14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 R poverty neighborhoods.The program has a three-pronged approach that includes the redevelopment of distressed properties, and supportive services, while investing in economic development and neighborhood improvement projects. A two-year planning grant will allow the new awardees to create and build support for a comprehensive plan, according to a statement.“Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plans lead to real results for public housing communities,” said Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “Planning grants are a great first step to bringing partners and significant resources to distressed communities—and they better position communities to pursue the funding necessary to bring a community’s vision to life.” Today’s awards from HUD will bring the benefits of clean energy and climate resilience to hardworking American families in states across the nation,” said John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation.
15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 OPENING LINES Source-https://www.americancityandcounty.com/, Andy Castillo, First Published 21, September, 2023 To combat rising climate pollution levels, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wednesday $4.6 billion in competitive grants available to cities, counties, territories and Tribal governments. The grants, which are a part of the EPA’s $5 billion Climate Pollution Grants program, are funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. They’re intended to spark community-driven environmental solutions, and to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy. “The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program is the largest program of its kind to help state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to develop and implement a wide variety of greenhouse gas reduction measures,” said Lisa Garcia, regional administrator for the EPA in a statement. “From devastating hurricanes to widespread flooding across our area, our region is experiencing firsthand the urgent need to make progress on climate action. These grants give our partners the opportunity to invest in a cleaner economy that can spur innovation and economic growth while building more equitable, resilient communities.” The funding is available through two grant competitions: one general competition and another specifically for Tribes and territories. Eligible applicants will compete to fund measures included in their climate action plans. The $4.6 billion opportunity is the second phase of the
16 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 EPA MAKES AVAILABLE $4.6B FOR CITIES, COUNTIES AND TRIBES TO REDUCE CLIMATE POLLUTION Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The EPA previously made available $250 million for communities to develop climate action plans. Entries that achieve the greatest amount of greenhouse gas emissions reductions will be prioritized. Equity and climate justice will also be taken into account, among other criteria. The “program recognizes that to tackle the climate crisis and advance environmental justice, communities need to be in the driver’s seat steering toward their own clean energy future,” said John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for clean energy innovation and implementation in the statement. The statement notes the EPA expects to award between 30 to 115 applications grants between $2 million and $500 million under the general competition. Another 25 to 100 communities are expected to receive grants between $1 million and $25 million under the Tribes and territories competition. The deadline to apply to the general competition is April 1, and May 1 for the Tribes and territories competition. Implementation grants are expected to be awarded in the fall of 2024 for the general competition and in the winter of 2024-2025 for the Tribes and territories competition.
17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 city view AMERICAN FORK, UT LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES CABOT,AR CARROLLTON, GA CHESTER COUNTY, SC CORPUS CHRISTI,TX INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ONLINE ARTICLE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONLINE ARTICLE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HERITAGE PARKS &TOURISM ONLINE ARTICLE
18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 MCHENRY, IL OTTAWA, IL FOREST PARK, GA EDGEWATER PARK, NJ RUTHERFORD, NJ HILLSBOROUGH, NJ YARMOUTH, MA SPRING HILL, KS STRONGSVILLE, OH TROUP COUNTY, GA TILLSONBURG, ONTARIO CYPRESS COUNTY,AB
19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 AT A GLANCE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES WHAT: One of the largest municipal associations in the country, representing about 855 cities, large and small throughout Minnesota WHERE: Minnesota, US WEBSITE: https://www.lmc.org/ THRO M WEATH Fostering the efforts of Minnesota cities to prosper well into the future
20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 hroughout Minnesota’s decades-long history, cities in our state have demonstrated resilience through tough times. Be it floods, tornadoes, or economic downturns our cities have bounced back and continued to survive and thrive. One of the ultimate tests of that resiliency, though, was the recent catastrophic outbreak of COVID-19 and its aftermath, which took its toll on the lives and health of thousands and temporarily brought our way of life to an abrupt halt. T LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CI TIES OUGH RESILIENCE, MINNESOTA CITIES HER CHALLENGING TIMES
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CI T I ES Thanks to strong leadership from city officials, communities in our state continued to deliver vital services for their residents in a seamless fashion despite uncharted challenges posed by the pandemic and its effects. Though few individuals could have fully predicted the magnitude of the crisis, cities have navigated the storm through a mix of perseverance and innovation. Many effects of the pandemic have passed. Yet, many remain that may permanently change the nature of local government service delivery. I am humbled to serve as the executive director for an organization with a mission of helping city governments and the great leaders that serve them, through good times and bad. The League of Minnesota Cities is one of the largest municipal associations in the country, representing about 855 cities, large and small. Our organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of city officials from cities of all sizes and geographic locations. The League serves as an extension of our members, providing valuable information and assistance to cities through learning and training services, advocacy services, insurance coverage and risk management programs, legal and research services, and trusted personal consultation in areas from finance to communications to human resources. Business as usual with a mix of creativity Cities in Minnesota played a special role in society’s response to the pandemic. Responsible for public safety, clean drinking water, and vital infrastructure, work in city halls and out on the streets never stopped during the shutdowns or shelter orders. Public servants stepped up to ensure public needs were met – from responding to emergency calls for help to flushing water mains, these folks kept things going in our state. First responders and other essential staff did not experience the conveniences of working from home. They risked their own health and safety to protect ours. While essential services continued seamlessly, cities developed innovative ways to respond to governance challenges imposed by the pandemic. Most notably, city officials fully embraced technology as a means to continue meeting through periods
22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 when in-person public gatherings were restricted. The vast majority of cities also ramped-up communication with residents to promote wellness, social distancing, masking recommendations, and vaccination opportunities within their individual communities. Communication tactics designed to reach the widest possible community audiences were put into place. For example, the City of Brooklyn Center established a special Emergency Operations Center that focused on communication for nonEnglish speaking residents. Similarly, the City of New Brighton recruited a Community Resource Group that identified individuals considered vulnerable and most in need of information and resources during the early days of the pandemic. In our state as in others, COVID-19 concerns resulted in temporary closures and limited operations among retailers and other local businesses. Consequently, many merchants took a financial hit and laid-off employees due to being unable to meet payrolls. Understanding the importance of small business, cities stepped up. As a means of financial relief, some cities—like the City of Cottonwood-- were able to provide short-term grants or loans to help keep businesses afloat. Others, like the City of Eagan, temporarily waived code permits and zoning requirements to allow and fast track temporary outdoor dining and curbside pickup options for local restaurants. And there was the City of Randall. When faced with constricted food supplies in the community, city leaders in Randall established a food library. A park building was reconfigured so people could share excess food and supplies so their neighbors could easily access them. The city was able to play a vital role connecting people to essential items in an unlocked, unstaffed park building with no reports of ransacking or vandalism. At its core, this remains a shining example of a community coming together in a time of need. For the League’s part, because our organization is widely recognized as a vital conduit to all cities in
23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CI T I ES our state we were able to establish a real-time communications channel with the Governor’s office and state agencies charged with COVID-19 education and response. Given that relationship, the League was able to provide our member cities with clarity on policies and mandates that were adopted at the state level. We also launched a substantive COVID-19 resource area on our League web site that was updated several times a week. Memos, copies of state executive orders, and relevant fact sheets could be found there. Additionally, our research staff logged thousands of phone inquiries to provide tailored responses to frequently asked questions. And, for several months during the pandemic, the League’s Intergovernmental Relations staff lobbied at state and federal levels to help secure relief funding for cashstrapped cities. Our research and finance staffs helped cities better understand parameters for spending the allocations. Residual effects of COVID Though facilities have reopened since the early days of the pandemic, we haven’t returned to what we once were and we see these effects in our social and political interactions. We’ve all thought more about the proper role of government following stay-in-place and shut down mandates, as well as distancing, masking, and vaccination policies. This has led to divisions that remain today and have contributed to exaggerated political polarization in new and previously uncontentious places. Polarization continues to affect civility and order in public meetings and also contributes to a trend of increased personal harassment of local officials. To address this trend, city officials across our state are doing their part to emphasize that work in cities is apolitical – there isn’t a republican or democrat way to fill a pothole, after all. The League partnered with a national organization known as Braver Angels to provide cities with training opportunities and other resources for addressing polarization at the local government level. The results are productive conversations in city halls about better public engagement, increased transparency, and clear standards around decorum as city business is conducted. This work is particularly important considering the challenges cities are facing related to finding high quality candidates to run for local office and their ability to recruit and retain great employees. Generally, people who step up to serve their community care about the places they live and believe they can help make communities great places to call home. Simply put, no one wants to serve or work in an environment that is needlessly acrimonious. Cities in Minnesota
24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 provide countless examples of folks coming together to rise above the political fray that dominates much of our broader public discourse. Today’s environment Approximately three years after the COVID-19 outbreak, our cities remain financially solid and continue to be good places to live, work, and play. They are making unprecedented investments in the places people call home from major projects in clean water to roads and bridges, park and recreational facilities to public safety. Due in large part to this local investment, our state consistently remains at the top of numerous quality of life rating lists. Our city governments take great pride in their welcoming neighborhoods and their exceptional provision of basic services. Through collaboration and innovation, Minnesota communities have remained resilient through one of the biggest world crises in modern history. Whether times are tough or times are prosperous, the League of Minnesota Cities is proud of our cities and proud of our contributions to outstanding local government in our great state. Luke Fischer is the executive director for the League of Minnesota Cities
25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 epresenting the balance between small-town charm and the amenities of a big city, American Fork is a thriving community, embodying the true American pioneer spirit. Established by Mormon settlers in 1850, it was one of the first cities in Utah’s development. Since then, American Fork has continued to evolve and thrive, boasting an exceptional quality of life for its 34,422 residents, offering top-notch schools and workplaces, along with an array of cultural and recreational amenities. With a central location and accessibility via Interstate 15, the city also serves as a regional hub of Northern Utah County. R AMERICAN FORK , UTAH Never losing its small-time charm, American Fork is forging new economic paths toward a prosperous future A VISIONARY COM BALANCING TRAD PROGRESS
26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 AT A GLANCE AMERICAN FORK, UTAH WHAT: A city growing in population, development, and opportunity WHERE: Northern Utah County, Utah WEBSITE: www.americanfork.gov MMUNITY DITION AND
27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 Highlighting some of the city’s remarkable features, Patrick O’Brien, Development Services Director, emphasizes, “One of the great things about American Fork is the people. We’ve got such a diverse group of people in the community.” Describing picturesque mountain views, the stunning backdrop of the American Fork Canyon, lush national forests, and the presence of the beautiful Lake Utah, he adds, “That sets the backdrop for American Fork. You’re out in the middle of the lake, you look across our community, you see the mountains. You don’t see any other communities around us. That falls into the overall picture of American Fork in Northern Utah County. We are not a crossroads community, but we are the central place.” American Fork City Council Member, Staci Carroll states, “One of the things that struck me when I moved here was the link to the history and the heritage. Essentially, it’s that idea of the Pioneer ancestry. People here are hard-working. AMERICAN FORK , UTAH
28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 That agricultural community is still alive and present, but I’ve also noticed it in city pride. A lot of families have lived here multigenerational. People are entrenched in ‘we are from American Fork, and we’re proud of it’. It is also a very helpful community. I’ve been struck by how many people are willing to help other people.” Strategic Planning for a Thriving City Currently, American Fork has several key initiatives underway, aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and connectivity. Along with the introduction of a new Fiber network, the city is also focused on improving road networks, particularly around important development hubs like 200 South and the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone. The TOD connects the community with other areas and integrates with the FrontRunner station, which is set to undergo enhancements, including a double track to accommodate more frequent trains. “That can help to serve our community even more, for the people who live here and for people who come here to work or visit. It gives them more options of traveling in and out of our community,” suggests O’Brien. The Pony Express Road, in the southern portion of the community, is another upcoming project that will enhance the city’s transportation network, connecting American Fork to surrounding communities. “We’ve got a lot of people that live in our community but also work in our community. They don’t always like to choose the car every day. So, we’ve got some fantastic bike and pedestrian trails that link all parts of our city along with connecting to some of our adjacent communities as well,” says O’Brien. American Fork also boasts fantastic park spaces, such as Art Dye Park, which serves as a central gathering spot for the community, attracting visitors from both within and outside the city. Furthermore, the city has acquired 30 acres of land for future park development, located near the TOD area.
29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 AMERICAN FORK , UTAH With several business attraction strategies in the works, American Fork is working hard to preserve its unique identity. “We love the idea of people who are rooted in our community. Those are the mom-and-pop businesses, those local family businesses. I’m a firm believer in those people being the backbone of your community,” O’Brien explains. The city takes pride in the fact that it has several major regional and national enterprises that also call American Fork home. These include supplement and nutrition companies Built Bar and Bucked Up, cosmetics and pharmaceutical manufacturer TCI Biotech, and Domo, an IT company. “These businesses are welcomed here, and they kind of get ingrained in the community. We’re always about supporting the small and local businesses, but we are always trying to attract bigger businesses as well,” he acknowledges. “Not everyone can work for the small local mom-and-pop business, but they do want to have something unique within their community. We’ve got some huge players in the city that you won’t find in neighboring communities.” Diverse Housing for Every Stage of Life American Fork offers a wide range of housing options, catering to various stages of life. This diverse inventory includes single-family homes with generous lots, compact single-family residences, denser suburban-style communities, townhomes, and apartment buildings. The city carefully plans the distribution of these housing types, strategically placing them near significant retail and commercial centers as well as transportation networks. “We think we’ve done a fantastic job at ensuring that we build the right things in the right places. We don’t want to build density far away from being able to get people out to their commute in the mornings, or far away from the public transportation network. So, we have that
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31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 throughout our community,” relays O’Brien. He points out that much of the density is strategically positioned near commercial cores situated outside of the downtown area. Referring back to the TOD community he adds, “Our vision is that it is a transit-oriented destination. We’ve got a lot of residential development, which is built out around that, and we’ve got a major plan for mixed-use commercial retail and residential development in that core area surrounding our frontrunner station. That’s one of the great things that American Fork has going for it, different parts of our city have these unique feelings about them, while they’re still very much American Fork.” Preserving History while Building for the Future American Fork’s downtown area, while already home to unique and vibrant enterprises, is undergoing a revitalization effort, a priority for the city council in recent years. Carroll admits to the challenges involved, but she underscores the benefits of assets like a library, a spacious park, and the unique and vibrant businesses along the corridor that add to its character. She says the city is actively seeking funding AMERICAN FORK , UTAH
32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 that look and feel that we’ve had for the area.” Valued Partnerships that Lead the City Forward None of the success that the city is experiencing would be possible without the key partnerships and collaborations of entities such as the American Fork Chamber of Commerce, and the Mountain Land Association of Governments (MAG), the planning organization for the region. “They are huge partners,” reports O’Brien. “We’re not just a community on our own, we share boundaries with several other communities. We have our visions as a city, but we also share a huge regional vision as Northern opportunities to breathe new life into downtown. To achieve the goal of drawing people to the heart of the community, the city hosts events such as trick or treating on Main Street, a farmers’ market in the park, special shopping occasions, and Christmas celebrations with Santa. “One of the things that has been important is to continue with the history and heritage of American Fork as we continue to grow. I feel like that is something that American Fork has been able to do well,” Carroll says. “We have to be very intentional, and the Main Street Downtown portion of that is part of that goal, not getting rid of some of those older buildings and revitalizing
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34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 Utah County, and MAG is fantastic at helping to coordinate some of these plans.” Mentioning that MAG provides funding to research city initiatives, and is a huge supporter of the city vision, O’Brien relays that UDOT and the Utah Transit Authority are also valued partners who ensure the city has the transportation links it requires to move forward. “The path might differ, but at the end of the day, our end goal is always the same. And that’s to serve the people in the community,” he says. With a continued focus on growth and development, American Fork is a city that represents the quintessential spirit of small-town America, offering a wealth of opportunities. O’Brien maintains, “With everything that we do, we need to be conscious of how we’re growing. We need to follow a sustainability approach to ensure that we have water as we grow, and to ensure that the people that live in our community are served with all of the amenities and services that they need.” “We don’t just want rooftops here for people; we want a place where people can be happy, and that they can stay forever.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER nHamlet Homes www.hamlethomes.com Discover the allure of Lakeshore Landing Homes in scenic American Fork, UT, nestled near the tranquil Utah Lake. With five contemporary floorplans, these homes offer abundant space, natural light, and open layouts. Uniqueness abounds, with customizable features, selections, and color palettes. Experience lakeside living alongside shopping, dining, and entertainment, all minutes from I-15. Embrace the beauty of Utah County with captivating lake views. Lakeshore Landing is more than a community; it’s where cherished memories come to life.
35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 AT A GLANCE CABOT, ARKANSAS WHAT: A thriving suburb that’s also known as a sports hub WHERE: 24 miles and half an hour out of Little Rock WEBSITE: www.cabotar.gov CABOT, ARKANSAS PROVIDING A SMALL FEEL WITH MANY BI AMENITIES
36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 he Little Rock suburb of Cabot, Ark., steeped in history, the City strategically balances the revitalization of our historic downtown with the excitement of sports tourism engagement for the future. With its convenient location in Central Arkansas, the City of Cabot is less than 30 minutes away from the State’s Capital. This provides the community with access to all of the resources in a major metropolitan area while retaining the charm of T The suburb of Little Rock remains a great place to call home L-TOWN IG-CITY
38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 Connect2First initially estimated it would take up to eight years to construct a highspeed fiber network passing 103,000 locations across central and southeast Arkansas. A $21.8 million project funded by municipal bonds will pass another 4,200 locations. By adopting Render’s network construction management technology, Connect2First expects to complete both projects in just four years, saving taxpayer money, connecting vital services and improving the communities’ quality of life. By adopting a technology-led approach to deployment, Connect2First has eliminated the paperwork and administrative overhead involved with delivering an infrastructure project of this scale. Project leaders are not only delivering the fiber network ahead of schedule but are optimizing the labor workforce to ensure expensive resources are hyper-productive. Render’s real-time data and end-to-end project visibility provide office teams with the answers they need as fast as teams are completing work in the field. The quality of the network and speed of the connection experience for Cabot’s residents is enabled by the quality of the data captured during the build. With data-driven deployment, Connect2First has been able to provision customers in less than ten days from service availability and will seamlessly operate and maintain a high-quality communications network for years to come. For more information, visit: www.connect2first.net CABOT, ARKANSAS a small town. Cabot is the largest city in Lonoke County, Arkansas, with a population of some 28,000, it is ranked as the state’s 19th largest city. With a trade area of over 150k people, Cabot is the fastest growing region in Arkansas, and many cite Cabot as one of the best places to live in Arkansas Cabot’s residents, most of whom are homeowners, enjoy that desirable suburban vibe and the local public schools have a high rating. Cabot is also home to many military veterans (Little Rock Air Force Base is nearby), and it is a Purple Heart community, according to Mayor Ken Kincade. “It’s ALL here” says Kincade, citing an upcoming marketing campaign for the community that is part of the City of Cabot’s year-long community engagement rebranding. We recently caught up with the Mayor, now in the first year of his second fouryear term, and with City of Cabot Economic Development Director Alicia Payseno. They outlined Cabot’s culture, spirit, past, present, and future as they told us more about what makes their community such a great place to live, work, and play. “We have a very interesting background regarding our history, and how that has molded the city you see today ,” says Payseno, citing Cabot’s founding in 1873 and its incorporation 18 years later. Like countless American cities, Cabot is situated along a railway (the Union Pacific Railroad nowadays), and it was this vital rail link, says Payseno, that made the community’s economic prosperity a given and a slam-dunk success. She adds that this railroad naturally helped create Cabot’s downtown mercantile district: an historic place, full of vibrancy and commerce and a real hub of much bustling activity. Yet Cabot has had its share of setbacks. Payseno revealed that in 1976, a fatal
39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 tornado struck the city. Five people lost their lives, and the city lost a lot of its history as the twister either damaged or flattened more than 90 venerable, old homes and commercial buildings. An area of some 15 blocks downtown was decimated, causing about $30 million in damage in today’s money (adjusted for inflation). Still, the city has bounced back. In the ensuing period of more than four decades, Cabot has continued to grow, and today it is the jewel in the crown of Arkansas. As Payseno explains, the then-officials of the City of Cabot’s late 1970s-era administrations took it upon themselves to build back the city from the ground up, and that has forever changed the landscape of the community. Thus the city today combines the best of both past and present and is, as Payseno notes, “an old city that’s built almost everything new… from housing to infrastructure to commerce.” She also spoke of Cabot’s festivals. The city is home to two. One, Cabotfest, grew out of a desire among community members for a rebirth in the wake of the tornado 47 years ago. First held in 1978, Cabotfest is now Lonoke County’s largest such festival, and it is enjoyed by people across the region on an annual basis. The other, Strawberryfest, is held every April. This fun event features local growers of the area’s abundant strawberry crop, carnival rides, live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. It’s hosted by the local Junior Auxiliary. A sports-oriented community Payseno says Cabot residents have a passion for sports at a very early age. The City’s parks and recreation department is very big on its baseball and softball fields, its basketball and volleyball courts, and its Cabot Aquatic Park. This is a state-of-the-art, handicappedaccessible, outdoor aquatic facility that offers three pools, a lazy river, water slides, a concession stand, and plans to build a wave pool are in the works. Plus, Cabot offers hiking and biking trails. Payseno says the City’s master plan calls for growing these trails all around Cabot. Then there are infrastructural and economic matters. As Payseno informs, Cabot’s voters passed the rededication of utilizing the extension of a City-wide one percent (1%) sales and use tax. in 2021. This resulted in the leveraging of some $80 million for initiatives aimed at community and economic development. The most substantial investment on the ballot was the $20 million that would be dedicated to allow the city to own its own fiber optic network solution to improve broadband Internet access. Payseno says This would not only allow the city to provide internet services as a public utility, but it would also be the first project of its kind to start construction in the state of Arkansas. Other allocated improvements will help streets and drainage, as well as the City’s police and fire departments. Plus, there is a brand-new $18 million sports complex, currently under construction. Scheduled to open next year, as Payseno informs, it will have six basketball courts that will convert to 12 volleyball courts, and two indoor soccer fields CABOT, ARKANSAS
40 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 that can also be utilized for batting cages and in fielding for softball and baseball athletes. Cabot is not forgetting its littlest inhabitants. As Payseno reveals, about $4 million is being allocated for an animal-services education center. She adds that Cabot’s Animal Service Center was the first no-kill facility in the state of Arkansas. She praises Cabot Animal Services Director Mike Wheeler for his truly innovative and award-winning efforts to turn things in the right direction, adding that the department has earned local, regional, and state-level recognition for its good work. “We’re very excited about his accomplishments and how that reflects upon our city,” Payseno observes. “I could talk about animal services forever!” She continues that related efforts include a veterinary surgery center. This will mean the availability of on-site spaying and neutering. It will also mean our professionals can provide +1-877-663-5968 www.geosurfaces.com “TURN KEY” SPORTS SURFACING GeoSurfaces is one of the few companies in the USA that offers in-house “turn key” sports lighting and sports surfacing. We are a licensed Professional Construction Firm, Electrical Firm, and Construction Manager that can offer complete construction and installation of World Athletics, FIH and ITF Approved Surfaces
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