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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 08
EDITOR’S NOTES One voloruntur aut ut laci verio mintusam non repudae. Itature nullestium quod exerovid qui cullab inctore veri aut et labor magnit fuga. Et que incipsa pedipsam ventium voluptatum asperum, commodita cus, ommodic torumenisque reiumque volorporis des dolupie nditia dis et earum in ra eumquiaspe plitaquas et enis eosam saerit ad moluptiant pra ni cum exeriostem quam que molest adio. Nam, quis illanda nimagni hillit excesti beris mos modis nus sunt doluptae. Nam fugias at et earundemquam aut molum aut idia inimillandam abo. Dita nem veliqui dolum quistem dunturitiam quis conse molles nata volupit voluptia dolupta sinctam nullab iustius rerspite nonsectate quiae volut etur aut voluptis voluptate con eos est, aut et diam dene nectotatibus que vollantist, cor abo. Ut voluptus num et inis aditem. Qui sequiataque pe dolorest eum eos dendebitis dolupta quat accuptur sitendem. Feri blatior rem ium a vendis doluptatis ea aut harcia nos nus rem que volorep erchictet lacitatiam voloriam est, ommolut planti occatii sincilique volorem siment. Tempor acipitin pelenit atetus accusandi nonsequas eostia con remperibus. Ignisque labo. Duci cor rerum labori commoluptas vername ipis et volorate lit vendita vendere laut latur rerferum erum autat fugitaque iderestia nobis pa dis nobit aut idit viti dolestis et ut doluptatus excearunda diciend istiur? Ide volora velendae rercientiati berovidus quat aut offic temolup tataquo omnis eliquat ecabore hendis eum fugitatibus. Lorumqu iasint quae. Nam verum, aut aditati dit quiate dolecatium qui volupta tatur, ulpa imusam hiliquid quam aboreca borecest harum quaecus qui dolorem que et acerum repre que sit aut ea quos moluptur sum atureped quam volupit, et ant vellanisto venis suntur? Ullabo. Ut odi odit que sitione venienissum fuga. Dae quia quiant, odio to corem et es volupidisqui conem volorem consecu ptatemporror autesci asperrum velestrum vero explate preptatum quam sim et hariae persper atemquo berum hilibus ad el intionsed elia doluptat iuntiumet am et plabor aliquam vene assequo stiasse es endam atur autem cum et odion et odita non rat volo blaccae nobis dolene perions equistist hit et enihici milluptatem adit endiaec aturepu daepudictor as imilia dest officient. Volo volor sa pra et liquosam labo. Et aut everibeaque nobita del et voluptincium explab iuscil inciis excearcium fuga. Ut anitetume venis nam et et untiore explit quia num lam, volorestrum aut od magnatem aut imus. Il magnam et que volupta tiorporempe mo quidus ipit ratiis imus alibust reperion conectust et volore doluptibusae expelita dus aute debit, volora dolore, sum res es estem doluptustio quod quam, a dolorest, ut ium hari quideliquas modiscilis perum aborumquat apicium corum autat aut rerit rehent la et hillate stiore, sincto dolupit volore apient vernatusanda qui cus acia sita doloreiciis molorem doluptatibus utesto cus dolendis sitat et unt fugition nos dipsam ullest ut poria destrum debis mo velesti amustio quassim inciusda veniendae. Mus sumendi res volupta denet del ipic te doluptas quidunt fugiatem aut ullacea veni aciuria que sit laborionsed mincim velesto omnimo te quasitatis doloressin re, sum volum quate sint auta nos aut quis enihit mi, aboriorae cusa volorpo rporero conseque labor restium nonsequis reiciendunt, vollor a volecessus consequid quati dolupta dolut pores estissi musciis volorrum aped expligeni renestin pellandandis remperiore sitium am, sum quam fuga. Voluptatest quae. Est lant. Nienien ihitiae pelenistecea voles molo officidem aliqui quam aut quodici bla cuptatinciis rerit porrumquae solorro beatis int laut eatium atibus. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
CITY VIEW 19 CHINCOTEAGUE, VA How Wild Horses Drive this Virginia Island’s $1 Million Tourism Machine 29 COOLIDGE, AZ A Community with a Small-Town Heart and BigCity Ambition 39 DEPEW, NY Small Village, Big Ideas VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 COVER TBD 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 49 NIAGARA FALLS, NY The City Behind one of the World’s Most Recognized Tourist Destinations 59 PAWLING, NY Walking Towards a Great Future 77 RENSSELAER, NY A City on the Rise 87 EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, MI The Township Behind the Bayfront Boom EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, MI CHINCOTEAGUE, VA 87 19 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
GO-TO COLLECTION WHEREVER YOU PLAY
VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 97 REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI A Progressive Community That Cares 107 WIXOM, MI Where Connectivity Meets Strategic Reinvention 117 FERNLEY, NV Nevada’s Next Industrial Frontier 127 LANCASTER, OH A Thriving Hub of Industry and Small-Town Spirit 137 LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA Where Progress Meets Community Well Being RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA WIXOM, MI 181 107 147 UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP, PA The World in One Place 161 MEAFORD, ON A Friendly Community, Growing with Purpose 171 PITTSFIELD, MA Seamlessly blending of Economic Growth and Community Vitality 181 RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA Staking Its Claim as the Inland Empire’s Economic Engine 195 SUN PRAIRIE, WI Firmly Looking Forward 205 WENATCHEE, WA How a Small Washington City Rewrote its Rules of Economic Development 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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 235 CAREER AND TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS Addressing Texas Workforce Needs 241 DECATUR COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Students First 251 HAWLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom 261 KAUKAUNA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT A Future Ready Education Built on Community and Care 275 KEWASKUM SCHOOL DISTRICT Educating With an Eye to Future Success 285 LUBBOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Connecting Students to Bright Futures DECATUR COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SLINGER SCHOOL DISTRICT 241 315 295 MIDDLETON-CROSS PLAINS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT The District of Holistic Growth and Excellence 305 RANDOLPH FIELD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Fostering Excellence Through Military-Connected Education and Innovation 315 SLINGER SCHOOL DISTRICT A Formula for Thriving Amid Wisconsin’s Teacher Shortage Crisis 325 SUPERIOR SCHOOL DISTRICT A Dynamic School District on the Rise 335 SUNRISE SCHOOL DIVISION Connected to Learn, Built to Lead 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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GREEN SPACES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE OPENING LINES 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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S, MODERNIZATION OPENING LINES 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ONLINE ARTICLE EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, MI THE TOWNSHIP BEHIND THE BAYFRONT BOOM FERNLEY, NV NEVADA’S NEXT INDUSTRIAL FRONTIER LANCASTER, OH A THRIVING HUB OF INDUSTRY AND SMALL-TOWN SPIRIT NIAGARA FALLS, NY THE WORLD’S MOST RECOGNIZED TOURIST DESTINATIONS CHINCOTEAGUE, VA VIRGINIA ISLAND’S $1 MILLION TOURISM MACHINE COOLIDGE, AZ A COMMUNITY WITH A SMALL-TOWN HEART AND BIG-CITY AMBITION DEPEW, NY SMALL VILLAGE, BIG IDEAS REDFORD TOWNSHIP, MI A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY THAT CARES PAWLING, NY WALKING TOWARDS A GREAT FUTURE WIXOM, MI WHERE CONNECTIVITY MEETS STRATEGIC REINVENTION MASSECON ONLINE ARTICLE RENSSELAER, NY A CITY ON THE RISE 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
MEAFORD, ON A FRIENDLY COMMUNITY, GROWING WITH PURPOSE WENATCHEE, WA REWROTE ITS RULES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUN PRAIRIE, WI FIRMLY LOOKING FORWARD LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA WHERE PROGRESS MEETS COMMUNITY WELL BEING RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA STAKING ITS CLAIM AS THE INLAND EMPIRE’S ECONOMIC ENGINE UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP, PA THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE PITTSFIELD, MA SEAMLESSLY BLENDING OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY VITALITY 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
HOW WILD HORSE VIRGINIA ISLAND’ TOURISM MACHIN CHINCOTEAGUE, VA AT A GLANCE TOWN OF CHINCOTEAGUE WHAT: V irginia’s only resort island, famous for wild ponies and the annual Pony Swim that funds municipal fire services while driving a millionvisitor tourism economy WHERE: Chincoteague Island, Accomack County, Virginia WEBSITE: www.chincoteague.com BUSY AT WORK PREPARING FOR ITS 100TH ANNUAL PONY SWIM, TOWN LEADERS FOCUS ON PRESERVING THE DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN TOURISM PROSPERITY AND ISLAND AUTHENTICITY. 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
ES DRIVE THIS ’S $1 MILLION NE On a narrow strip of land where 3,300 residents share just nine square miles, economic prosperity requires a particular brand of ingenuity. Chincoteague, Virginia, has mastered the art of reinvention through necessity, transforming from seafood hub to poultry producer to tourist destination as each industry faltered in turn. “We’ve been through a couple of industry changes over the last 50, 60 years,” says Mayor Denise Bowden, who also serves as President of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. “Every time our residents have stepped up to the plate to do what’s good for the town and for themselves. We went through a pretty bad natural disaster in the early sixties and bounced back from that.” The 1962 storm she references devastated the poultry industry, forcing the 20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
island to pivot toward tourism just as Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague” brought national attention to their wild ponies. Today, those same ponies generate millions in tourism revenue, supporting an economy that hosts over one million visitors annually at the adjacent wildlife refuge and beach. Council member Chris Bott acknowledges the successful transformation while recognizing its ongoing challenges. “A lot of other towns have struggled if they’ve lost their industry or their predominant source of revenue,” he notes.“Chincoteague’s done an excellent job accommodating and changing with the changing industry going into tourism. But along with that, there are a lot of challenges there with infrastructure, basic utilities, even water.” With median home values climbing from $95,900 in 2000 to nearly $350,000 today, the island faces the paradox of success: prosperity that threatens to price out the very workforce sustaining it. REVITALIZING HISTORIC DOWNTOWN Main Street’s transformation is part of a broader strategy to recapture economic vitality in Chincoteague’s historic core. Once home to car dealerships, gas stations, and a commercial dry cleaner, the downtown shifted away from its role as the island’s business center decades ago. Now, armed with new infrastructure capacity, town leaders envision a renaissance. “We are in the process of doing some revitalization on Main Street, and it’s been ongoing for several years,” explains Town Manager Mike Tolbert.“Recently we’ve been able to obtain a sewage plant from a local developer, which is going to allow us to offer some sewage capacity to businesses downtown, which we hope will attract new businesses and allow existing businesses to expand.”The acquisition addresses a fundamental constraint that has limited development for thirty years. Without adequate sewage treatment, potential restaurants, bakeries, and mixed-use developments remained impossible dreams. “We’d like to see businesses downstairs and maybe some apartments upstairs,” Mayor Bowden emphasizes.“I think that really shows encouragement as far as getting people in these areas to live, play, work.” This mixed-use approach follows successful revitalization efforts in other coastal communities, where integrating residential and commercial spaces creates year-round vitality. Tolbert adds that improving pedestrian and bike access forms another crucial component: “It’s more important nowadays than it has been in years past to provide alternatives to transportation by car.” Chamber Executive Director Joanne Moore 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 CHINCOTEAGUE, VA
injects millions into Virginia’s Eastern Shore economy. “The ponies play such a vital role in tourism here,” Mayor Bowden observes.“You got animals over there that have their heads down chomping on grass, and they have no idea how much they control the economy here.” The upcoming 100th anniversary of the Pony Swim in July 2025 expects to draw 50,000 spectators, up from the typical 40,000, with Virginia featuring the event on its official travel guide cover. The economic model remains unique among American municipalities. “Our citizens here don’t pay a fire tax,” Bowden explains. “The fire company between the carnival that starts tomorrow night and Pony Swim and everything related to that generates thousands upon thousands of dollars.” Since 1925, when devastating fires prompted the formation of the volunteer fire company, the annual swim has funded essential services while building a tourism phenomenon. Marguerite Henry’s 1947 novel cemented this economic transformation.“Misty really put us on the map and started the tourism around here,” Bowden recalls.“You’ve got grandparents that say,‘I read the book, and I brought my kids and now my kids are bringing my grandkids.’” Moore adds that the cultural impact goes beyond nostalgia: “Misty is required reading in some fourth grade curriculums across the country. We get handwritten letters from the kids at the chamber asking for more information.” Every souvenir shop displays pony merchandise, restaurants adopt equine themes, and even Ms. Molly’s Inn maintains the Marguerite Henry room where the author penned portions of her famous work. YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS AND MARKETING Seasonal tourism creates feast-or-famine economics for coastal communities. Chincoteague combats this cycle through strategic event planning and targeted marketing that extends visitor seasons beyond summer beach crowds. “We market it year-round, and we definitely have initiatives spanning over the years,” says Moore, confirms the entrepreneurial interest exists. “A lot of entrepreneurs do come to the chamber and ask for our support. We help folks with their business plans and help them find commercial buildings that are available,” she says, noting the community’s foundation remains its mom-and-pop businesses. PONIES, MISTY, AND THE TOURISM LEGACY Wild ponies grazing on salt marshes control more economic power than most Fortune 500 CEOs realize. These 150 animals drive an annual tourism engine that eliminates property taxes for fire services and 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
As urban growth accelerates and digital connectivity becomes essential, the integrity of underground infrastructure has never been more critical. Water, energy, and data must move seamlessly through cities and towns—yet conventional excavation often disrupts communities, drives up costs, and strains environmental resources.The industry is at an inflection point, demanding smarter, less invasive solutions. Underground Connections delivers precisely that. With a disciplined approach rooted in trenchless horizontal drilling and precision-guided installations, the company installs, repairs, and maintains critical utility lines—water, sewer, electrical, and communications—while minimizing surface disruption. Their methodology shortens project timelines, protects surrounding environments, and preserves the character of urban centers and historic coastal communities. From island towns to inland communities, Underground Connections is strengthening water and sewer infrastructure across Virginia’s Eastern Shore.The team recently completed a new sewer collection system for the town of Chincoteague—an ambitious, environmentally sensitive project executed with care, technical precision, and long-term resilience. Backed by clients like NASA, Virginia American Water, Dominion Energy, and the ESVA Broadband Authority, Underground Connections demonstrates reliability and rigor. Whether navigating directional drilling beneath major thoroughfares or threading fiber-optic networks through remote terrain, they prioritize safety, compliance, and long-term performance. As infrastructure demands evolve, their mission endures: enabling resilient, future-ready communities through sustainable innovation and engineering excellence. CHINCOTEAGUE, VA
whose organization receives town funding for global destination marketing. “A lot of times the chamber focuses on the shoulder seasons with large events like the Seafood Festival and the Oyster Festival to encourage that shoulder season visitation to bolster those quieter times of the year.” The calendar strategically spaces major draws throughout the year. Easter brings the Decoy and Art Festival, featuring carvers from across the country. May’s Seafood Festival attracts 3,000 visitors celebrating the island’s maritime heritage. October’s Oyster Festival showcases Chincoteague Salt oysters, recognized as their own distinct class. December features a Christmas parade that strengthens community bonds during the quiet season. “The Oyster Festival showcases Chincoteague Salt oysters, which we are very well known for,” Moore emphasizes.“That too brings in about 3,000 people.” Beyond chamber events, nonprofits organize music in the park, movies, and farmers’ markets, creating what Moore describes as continuous programming “that helps fill in the gaps when folks are looking for something different to do other than going to the beach and looking at ponies.” Current marketing efforts include a USA Today grant focusing on fall tourism. The proximity to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility adds another perspective, with rocket launches creating tourism surges. “We always try to have something on the calendar for folks to enjoy while they’re here to give them that full experience,” Moore notes, acknowledging that sustaining year-round appeal requires constant innovation in a market where visitor expectations continuously evolve. HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES The mathematics of island prosperity creates an unforgiving equation. With 3,500 homes squeezed onto seven square miles and median prices soaring from $95,900 to $349,461 since 2000, Chincoteague exemplifies the housing crisis plaguing successful coastal destinations nationwide. 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
“We struggle with keeping housing affordable,” Tolbert acknowledges.“Prices are quite high and they continue to increase. Keeping housing affordable for the residents who have lived here now and have lived here for some time or folks that want to return to the island that grew up here is a constant challenge.” This pattern is repeated in other resort communities where vacation home purchases surged 16.4% in 2020, driving prices beyond local wage earners’ reach. Bott frames the dual crisis succinctly: “We don’t have room for expansion. We have a stock issue inventory problem as well because affordable housing is what we’re struggling with right now.There’s basically no space for it, even if we wanted to encourage it or go into joint partnership.” Unlike mainland communities that can sprawl outward, Chincoteague’s geographic constraints intensify every market pressure. The influx of affluent buyers from metropolitan areas compounds the challenge. “When we have 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 CHINCOTEAGUE, VA
LOOKING FORWARD TO RESPONSIBLE GROWTH Balancing economic vitality with environmental preservation demands careful calculation when your town sits surrounded by water and wildlife. Chincoteague’s leaders recognize that sustainable growth requires more than adding capacity, it demands preserving the very qualities that attract visitors and residents alike. “You have to have growth to continue doing business, folks moving into the area from more affluent regions,” Tolbert explains, “waterfront homes and homes that provide these pretty views of nature and everything can get quite expensive.” Virginia’s Code further restricts municipal options for intervention. “Council has come up with many ideas on how to do this and it’s difficult to do when you have a rigid framework to work within,”Tolbert notes.“Sometimes we can’t just go and do what we’d like to do and make it more affordable for folks who really could use the affordability.” 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
for lack of a better way to put it,” Mayor Bowden reflects. “But you also have to be responsible with it. We have a lot of wildlife here and you want to preserve as much of that as you can. You want to preserve some waterfront areas too, and that can be very, very challenging.” The island faces immediate environmental pressures beyond development concerns. Erosion moves Assateague Island toward the mainland at 10-13 feet annually, prompting a $15 million beach relocation project moving recreational areas 2.5 miles north. Since 2003, storm recovery has consumed over $15 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 CHINCOTEAGUE, VA
million, highlighting the financial burden of climate impacts on coastal infrastructure. Downtown development presents another delicate balance. “We’ve got the historic downtown and there’s some properties down there that if it came up for sale, I personally don’t want to see a three-story hotel in the heart of historic downtown,” Bowden emphasizes. “You’ve got to be careful with some things and at the same time, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got your economy still going strong.” Looking ahead to the next 18-24 months, priorities center on activating the new sewage infrastructure while maintaining community character.“Getting this sewage online and hopefully revitalizing downtown a little bit better with maybe some specialty places,” Bowden outlines, seeking businesses that enhance rather than overwhelm the island’s scale. For Chincoteague, success means threading an increasingly narrow channel; preserving authenticity while adapting to modern pressures, maintaining affordability while property values climb, and protecting natural resources while sustaining the tourism they attract. The wild ponies may not understand their economic influence, but their human neighbors grasp the stakes perfectly. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Underground Connections www.underground-connections.com Underground Connections is redefining underground utility construction across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, including Virginia’s Tidewater region. Specializing in trenchless horizontal drilling, the company delivers high-performance installations of water, sewer, electrical, and fiber-optic lines with minimal surface disruption. Their sustainable, low-impact methods accelerate timelines and reduce costs—earning the trust of industry leaders like NASA, Dominion Energy, and Virginia American Water. 28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
COOLIDGE, AZ A COMMUNITY WIT HEART AND BIG-CIT AT A GLANCE COOLIDGE, ARIZONA WHAT: A community-driven municipality that combines small-town charm with big-picture ambition. WHERE: Located in the heart of Pinal County, approximately halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. WEBSITE: www.coolidgeaz.com 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
TH A SMALL-TOWN TY AMBITION DRIVING GROWTH THROUGH STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY FOCUS. Coolidge, Arizona, is gracefully balancing rapid growth while staying true to the things that make it unique. This quaint community on the rise is full of small-town charm, proving that prosperity doesn’t have to come at the expense of its authentic spirit. 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
The city has done an exceptional job of leveraging its prime location in the sun corridor to attract more advanced manufacturing giants. To complement the arrival of those giants and the city in general, Coolidge is also maximizing its abundant sustainability, which has only drawn in more interest from prospective investors and businesses. The ongoing revitalization of the city’s downtown core has also attracted diverse businesses outside of the energy and manufacturing sectors, resulting in the expansion of key cultural venues and an enhanced sense of vibrancy and walkability. And while the city’s educational system has already received high praise, it continues to make investments in that area, which has seen schools improve and student numbers soar. Coolidge has also proactively planned for new public safety infrastructure, such as additional fire stations, and has expanded its management strategy for regional transportation to ensure the city scales effectively and safely. Regarding regional transportation, the Coolidge Airport has seen over $500,000 invested in planning and upgrades alone! In addition, Coolidge offers many ways to move around the city and regionally. The Cotton Express, the local bus service, offers stops around Coolidge while the CART bus system takes riders to various points from Florence to Casa Grande. It’s clear that, thanks to its community-centric development, Coolidge is not just growing; it’s thriving. It’s time to discover what extraordinary innovations this desert oasis will unveil next as it continues to redefine prosperity in the Southwest. CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF PROGRESS Coolidge, Arizona, nestled in the sun-drenched corridor between Phoenix and Tucson, has undoubtedly blossomed in recent years. The city is experiencing considerable development that touches every facet of community life. 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 COOLIDGE, AZ
Education, a cornerstone of any thriving community, has seen remarkable improvements since last year. “We’ve grown considerably in the last year. Our schools are improving their grade levels; and we now have over 4000 students in our schools,” says Mayor Jon Thompson. Coolidge offers an array of educational opportunities including public and charter school instruction. Coolidge Unified School District, Imagine Schools Charter Elementary/Preparatory and a host of online offerings including Arizona State University Preparatory, prepare students for success. Beyond academics, the city has expanded its recreational facilities, with plans underway for a significant new 50-plus-acre regional park that promises enhanced outdoor experiences for residents. Economically, Coolidge has navigated major positive shifts in its industrial landscape, with one of its most notable businesses, Nikola, transitioning to Lucid Motors. Yet, despite these advancements and the influx of new opportunities, the city maintains its close-knit, friendly atmosphere, where the community is a top priority. In fact, the allure of Coolidge is further enhanced by its affordability, a significant benefit to the community.“The median price of homes here is less than any of the surrounding communities, so it’s actually easier to buy a home here,” Mayor Thompson explains. With homes being more accessible than in surrounding areas like Chandler, Gilbert, or Casa Grande, Coolidge is the most viable option for those seeking quality, affordable housing. The city has experienced a significant surge in residential development, issuing 143 single-family permits from January 2025 alone, with corresponding increases in valuations. The Mayor expressed particular pride in the infill housing projects, saying, “I’m happier and prouder of the infill housing we’re getting than the new 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
housing because we’re improving some of the older neighborhoods.” Moreover, certain sectors of Coolidge’s public safety have been significantly bolstered, with the transition to a full-time Fire Department within the last year and a half. This ensures the community is safer and more prepared, even as calls for service have increased, reflecting the city’s growth. Coolidge is on the cusp of a monumental milestone: its 100-year Centennial. The city is meticulously planning a grand celebration to mark this significant occasion. “September 20th is the date we’re targeting, but we’re preparing for an event at San Carlos Park, which is our main central park,” says City Manager Gilbert Lopez This will be a comprehensive community gathering, featuring a stage with live music, various vendors, and a unique community wall displaying pictures of founding families and local businesses. “Our schools will have a booth as well because they’re an important part of our history. But our community is really founded on cotton farming, so we want to make sure to have some exhibits for that as well,” Lopez says. And while this event will pay homage to the city’s historical roots, it will simultaneously highlight its impressive leap into advanced manufacturing with the presence of Lucid and the anticipated arrival of the new Procter & Gamble facility. DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REVITALIZING COMMUNITY VIBRANCE The impending arrival of Procter & Gamble signifies a major win, with their site plans already approved 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 COOLIDGE, AZ
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY, TOGETHER. Building a strong community requires a unified effort. That's why SRP is proud to support the City of Coolidge as they provide programs and services designed to work for the greater good and, ultimately, create a more vibrant future for us all. srp.net/community
and civil and construction plans under development. It shows that Coolidge’s economic landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by enhanced investor appeal and sustainable practices. This development aligns with Coolidge’s emphasis on sustainability, as Procter & Gamble is recognized for its environmentally conscious operations, which aim to minimize water usage. The city benefits from utility providers like Arizona Public Service (APS), its main provider, and Salt River Project (SRP), which makes clean power readily available to companies seeking sustainable operations like Meta and Google. “We have the most amount of sustainable solar energy out of all the cities around us. Right now, we’ve got quite a bit and have enough to power a lot of sectors,” Lopez explains. Orsted, NextEra and others have solar farms located in Coolidge generating hundreds of megawatts of energy and featured in many media outlets like CNBC for their large-scale projects. Coolidge is also investing in critical infrastructure, specifically upgrading Arica Road and other access points to support this and other forthcoming businesses, a major sign that Coolidge is ready to accommodate significant industrial growth. Apart from its industrial strides, downtown Coolidge is another priority for the Mayor and his Council, with significant revitalization efforts underway to transform it into a vibrant hub. A key development is the near completion of the Pinal Hispanic Council Intermountain facility, a 5,000- to 6,000-square-foot building that offers azwater.com 520-723-5346 coolidge@azwater.com 351 N. Arizona Boulevard / Coolidge, AZ 85128 Connect with us Arizona Water Company is proud to be part of your community. For seven decades, AWC has remained committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water and award-winning customer service to the communities we serve. Community values are what drives AWC, and the company prides itself in maintaining and operating 12 local offices throughout Arizona. 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 COOLIDGE, AZ
Both of these nationally recognized establishments draw considerable foot traffic, which certainly signals positive things, both now and in the future, for the downtown area’s appeal. Efforts to enhance walkability are a strong focus, involving extensive code enforcement and utility upgrades, fixing sidewalks, improving road systems, and upgrading utilities to prepare for long-term development. The city is also actively working with vacant landowners to increase downtown density, encouraging more residential presence to support local businesses, such as Peter Patio, a popular Greek restaurant. healthcare services and brings new employees right into the heart of downtown, near the post office and existing doctor’s offices. However, generally speaking, the downtown area is increasingly becoming an entertainment destination, with businesses like El Grotto hosting comedy shows and the local theatre group, ACT 1, which has been widely received in the region. “We have United Dance Crew, who have won a number of awards, down there, and now Robles Boxing & Fitness is moving their gym to downtown. They’re robust boxers who go out, compete, and win all over the state, and have moved downtown,” Mayor Thompson adds. 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
Additionally, the city is committed to greening the downtown area by adding more trees and irrigation systems before the centennial celebration, making the area more aesthetically pleasing and inviting for pedestrians. A VISION FOR WORKFORCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DEVELOPMENT Coolidge is strategically investing in its human capital through partnerships that directly link education with local job opportunities. The recent annexation of Central Arizona College (CAC) into the city brings its main campus, with over 7,853 students across five campuses. City Manager Lopez also serves on their board. CAC is instrumental in providing specialized training, including the DRIVE 48 program, tailored for advanced manufacturing. This program is designed to train employees for Lucid Motors’ powertrain and drivetrain work at the former Nikola facility, ensuring a skilled local workforce for one of the city’s major employers. Furthermore, a technical school called the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) in Coolidge, offers 22 programs including advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. “They work together with Central Arizona College, through a dual degree program, where they can get a degree at CAC but also at CAVIT,” Lopez explains, highlighting how the program allows students to earn both a high school diploma and college credits or certificates. These certificates provide direct pathways to entrylevel positions with companies like Lucid and other businesses located in the city’s 2,700-acre rail-served industrial park, one of Arizona’s largest. 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 COOLIDGE, AZ
Looking ahead, Coolidge envisions a future defined by continued momentum and a proactive approach to public services and business partnerships. “We’re going to continue to do what we’ve been doing all along, which has worked very successfully for us. We have formed numerous partnerships that will continue to work with those companies. We will be starting a new regional park for our citizens, and that’s something I think they’ll all be very proud of,” Mayor Thompson expresses To accommodate this growth and prioritize public safety, the city plans to build at least one new fire station, likely to the west, to serve new populations. The city is also keenly aware of the need to enhance its quality of life by attracting more diverse amenities, with a specific focus on sit-down restaurants. Lastly, the Coolidge Airport, a former military facility, stands as a critical economic gateway with significant development potential. Recent infrastructure investments, including over half a million dollars in planning, power upgrades, fire pump improvements, and roadway design, have made the area highly attractive to businesses. The airport is securing grants from the FAA, with a new taxiway and 80,000 square foot apron in the design phase and construction funding secured, potentially including over a million dollars in expiring funds from other airports. Coolidge Avenue, the main road leading to the airport, has also seen a $5.5 million upgrade, further solidifying access. Ultimately, Coolidge’s journey is a powerful testament to the idea that true prosperity lies not just in growth, but in a community where the past is honored, the present thrives, and the future is proactively built. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Salt River Project (SRP) www.srpnet.com SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, canals and irrigation laterals. n Arizona Water Company www.azwater.com Arizona Water Company is the second largest private water supplier in Arizona. For 70 years Arizona Water Company has proudly provided clean and reliable drinking water to communities across Arizona. 38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
DEPEW, NY SMALL VILLA BIG IDEAS AT A GLANCE VILLAGE OF DEPEW WHAT: E rie County municipality ranked #1 best place to live in western New York’s large hub category, known for innovative green financing and fiscal management WHERE: Western New York WEBSITE: www.villageofdepew.org A 5.4-SQUARE-MILE NEW YORK VILLAGE SHOWS HOW SMART LEADERSHIP CAN TRANSFORM ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES INTO REVENUE STREAMS—WHILE DELIVERING TOP-TIER MUNICIPAL SERVICES. 39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
AGE, At a time when many small communities struggle for relevance, the Village of Depew, New York, stands as a model of what thoughtful leadership, fiscal discipline, and innovation can achieve. With a population of 15,178 residents packed into just 5.4 square miles, Depew has few opportunities for expansion—but that hasn’t stopped it from growing in all the ways that matter. “We’re pretty much built out,” says Mayor Kevin 40 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
Peterson, who in 2023 became the first Depew mayor to secure a second term since the late 1990s.“So, we’ve had to be smart—reimagining and maximizing every property’s value, both commercial and otherwise.” FROM RAILROAD ROOTS TO MODERN RESILIENCE Founded in 1892 and incorporated in 1894, Depew was named after Chauncey M. Depew, president of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. Today, its compact footprint crosses two municipalities—Cheektowaga and Lancaster— presenting administrative complexities that could paralyze other communities. But Depew has used those challenges as catalysts for smarter governance. “In 2017, we faced a real moment of reckoning when there was a push to dissolve the village,” recalls Peterson. “But we emerged stronger—more committed to proving what a well-run village government can accomplish.” GREEN INNOVATION MEETS FISCAL DISCIPLINE While 154 communities statewide have been certified under New York’s Climate Smart Communities program, few have blended environmental leadership with financial ingenuity like Depew. The village consistently ranks in the top 10 for completed climate action items in western New York. Mayor Peterson’s first initiative in 2019 was converting all 1,400 streetlights to LED. Since then, Depew is currently installing EV chargers at Fireman’s Park and Village Hall, has certified it’s code enforcement officers in community solar, and built one of Erie County’s first geothermal powered heating and air-conditioned public pavilions—a 15,000-square-foot facility in Fireman’s Park. But perhaps the most inventive project stemmed from a long-standing environmental burden: a 35acre former landfill that the NYS DEC determined needed remediation. Rather than burden taxpayers with a $1.8 million bond to cover that cost, Peterson brokered a partnership with a solar developer. “We sold 15 acres of that site to build a solar array. 41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 DEPEW, NY
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That first phase is up now, and we didn’t have to borrow a dime to re-cap the landfill to DEC specifications,” says Peterson. A REIMAGINED MAIN STREET In many small towns, traditional downtowns have hollowed out. Depew’s solution: focus not on retail density, but on walkability and community connection. While Route 130 (Broadway) carries most of the traffic,Terrace Boulevard—just one block over—has been recast as the community’s civic spine. “Terrace Boulevard connects Village Hall, Veterans Park, Fireman’s Park, the Boys & Girls Club, churches, post office, fire station and a community center— 43 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 DEPEW, NY
everywhere people gather,” Peterson says. “That’s our real ‘Main Street.’” Depew has invested nearly $1.5 million in sidewalk infrastructure using CDBG grants, enhancing pedestrian safety and access. The layout itself still follows Frederick Law Olmsted’s signature spokeand-wheel design, culminating in Veterans Park—the village’s cultural and recreational hub. OPEN FOR BUSINESS With limited space for new construction, Depew has focused on revitalizing existing properties and welcoming progressive industries. “Vacant storefronts don’t stay vacant long here,” Peterson says.The village welcomed Herbal IQ, one of western New York’s first legal cannabis dispensaries. It’s now Erie County’s top-performing dispensary and ranks sixth statewide, recently doubling its footprint. Perhaps the most transformative project is the $65 million redevelopment of a 150,000-squarefoot former HSBC site into a 219,000-square-foot Erie 1 BOCES K-12 Instructional Services Campus for special needs students. Scheduled to open in 2027, it capitalizes on Depew’s central location and accessibility to school districts throughout Erie County. © 2025 AMETEK, Inc. & Reichert, Inc. (07-2025) • Reichert is a registered trademark of Reichert, Inc. AMETEK is a trademark of AMETEK, Inc. • Designed, engineered, and assembled in USA DISCOVER MORE AT REICHERT.COM AMERICAN INNOVATION FROM DEPEW, NY, TO THE WORLD A GLOBAL LEADER IN EYE CARE & BIOTECH 44 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
Other new developments include a 200,000-squarefoot storage facility and expansion of concrete operations—repurposing underutilized land for taxgenerating uses. INFRASTRUCTURE THAT DELIVERS Municipal infrastructure is costly—but Depew has found ways to keep services top-notch without burdening taxpayers. Roughly half of the village’s revenue comes from property taxes, but strategic use of state programs like CHIPS, Pave New York, and Bridge NY allows the village to maintain local roads while relying on state and county partners to maintain major routes like Routes 130, 78, and Walden Avenue. Another major win: fiber internet. In 2022, Depew became GoNetspeed’s first local partner in Erie County. The Village’s compact layout made fiber rollout economical. Today, residents enjoy service from two competing fiber providers—GoNetspeed and Greenlight Networks—giving them rare redundancy and reliability. A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH In a community where the housing stock is mostly built out, growing the tax base without adding single-family homes is the key to sustainability. “We’re not going to cut services—our residents are happy with what they have,” says Peterson. “So, we have to think creatively.” Future plans have the Village pursuing a $4.5 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant to rehabilitate aging homes and further incentivize private investment. The housing market affirms Depew’s success: properties that sold for $86,000 three decades ago now routinely list above $280,000, due to regional demand and Depew’s livability. “Depew is an ideal place for young families,” Peterson says.“We’ve improved the park system, strengthened public safety, enhanced walkability, and kept taxes in check. Our services are second to none.” DEPEW’S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS By transforming environmental liabilities into 45 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 DEPEW, NY
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Reichert®/AMETEK www.reichert.com Headquartered in Depew, NY, AMETEK Reichert® is a global leader in eye care and biotechnology. Reichert brings nearly two centuries of American innovation to engineering and manufacturing diagnostic devices for eye care, refractometry devices for clinical, food, beverage, and commercial fluid testing, and surface plasmon resonance for pharmaceutical research. solar assets, reimagining public space, prioritizing infrastructure, and embracing strategic development, Depew shows what’s possible when small communities think big. 48 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
THE CITY BEHIND ONE O MOST RECOGNIZED TO NIAGARA FALLS, NY AT A GLANCE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK WHAT: H istoric tourist destination undergoing economic transformation through industrial development, university partnerships, and downtown revitalization WHERE: Niagara Falls, New York, USA WEBSITE: www.niagarafallsusa.org 49 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
OF THE WORLD’S OURIST DESTINATIONS MAYOR ROBERT RESTAINO IS BETTING $70 MILLION IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, AND A RADICAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY CAN FINALLY LIBERATE AMERICA’S MOST FAMOUS WATERFRONT CITY FROM THE BOOM-BUST CYCLES OF TOURIST DOLLARS. In the shadow of one of the world’s most powerful natural wonders, Niagara Falls, New York, is forging an identity that extends far beyond its iconic cascades. The city, which welcomes an astonishing 12 to 14 million visitors annually, is a unique blend of a global tourist magnet and a tight-knit American community. Yet beneath the tourist veneer lies a community wrestling with its 50 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
identity; caught between serving global audiences and preserving local character. “It’s hard to have that small town sense when millions of people starting in April and going all the way through November are traipsing through here,” Mayor Robert M. Restaino acknowledges. The visitors bring “not so little agitation from time to time by the locals,” he admits, but residents recognize their city belongs to the world. “In the main, they’re very generous and very welcoming.” Mayor Restaino, who took office in 2020 just weeks before COVID shuttered the tourism economy, describes Niagara Falls residents as “more Midwestern than coastal” hardworking, family-oriented people who care deeply about their community. His administration has engineered a remarkable fiscal turnaround, generating $8.6 million in consecutive budget surpluses and removing the city from New York State’s financially distressed list. The 2024 budget allocates $18 million for infrastructure while reducing residential property taxes by 3.1%. REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS Downtown Niagara Falls is experiencing its most significant transformation in decades, with multiple developments reshaping the tourist corridor. Old Falls Street, the historic heart of the city’s hospitality district, has become the focal point for a wave of new investment that promises to push the tourist season beyond summer months. “We are expecting some incredible development along that main corridor, several new restaurants as well as some other entertainment venues, distilleries and microbreweries,” Mayor Restaino explains.“We’ve also been able to add some family friendly options downtown. I mean that in terms of food options. When you have children, it’s important to have those locations that are familiar to them.” The downtown renaissance builds on existing momentum. Eighteen new hotel projects representing over 6,000 rooms are currently in development, including a 126-room SpringHill Suites opening in 2025. Hotel revenue per available room reached 122% of 2019 levels in 2024, demonstrating strong recovery despite lower occupancy rates. At the eastern edge of downtown, plans for a major events center have attracted serious interest. “We continue with our plans just at the east side of it, on the other side of the casino, for our events center, a venue that we have already had interest in from the Ontario Hockey League for a franchise,” the mayor reveals. The proposed $200 million Centennial Park arena would seat 6,000 and potentially host professional hockey, though critics question whether projected revenues can justify the investment. 51 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 NIAGARA FALLS, NY
decline and untapped potential. The city’s new 60acre industrial park north of Porter Road signals a strategic pivot toward modern industry, leveraging unique assets that few communities can match. “We already have sold 15 acres to a Stony Creek firm,” Mayor Restaino reports. “We have a lot of interest from Canadian businesses that want to have a US footprint. This particular light manufacturing company makes parts for wind turbines in the “Niagara Falls is seeing some very, very heightened interest for development as well as for entertainment here on the state side,” Mayor Restaino concludes, positioning the city to compete more effectively with its Canadian counterpart. BUILDING TOMORROW’S ECONOMY Manufacturing once defined Niagara Falls, employing thousands in factories along Buffalo Avenue. Today, those shuttered plants represent both painful 52 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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