Article Before the storm: Using data to predict and manage climate risk 18th July 2023 In the first five months of 2023 alone, the United States experienced 11 climate disaster events with confirmed losses of over $1 billion each. With June’s severe weather in the south, that number climbed to 12. Last year, there were 18 such disasters, costing more than $175 billion and 474 lives. Business and government leaders […]
Commentary Five attributes every government agency needs from a successful partner 30th June 2023 The COVID-19 pandemic changed how state and local governments work with outside partners to support government benefits programs. The pandemic brought new challenges and increased demand for services. State and local government leaders had to re-evaluate the role private companies could play. These leaders were able to understand which partners were best suited to help […]
Commentary Supporting hurricane response in Puerto Rico with aerial imagery 29th June 2023 When Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico in September of 2022, resultant flooding and landslides caused significant damage on the island. Local and federal government agencies and insurance companies needed to determine the location and extent of this damage in a timely manner for restoration and assessment. With such a large area of potential impact—Puerto Rico […]
Commentary The future of carbon emissions and cities lies in green buildings 5th May 2023 When you envision the future, what do you see? For me, it’s a place where people of all generations live, work and thrive. And it’s a place where green, efficient buildings are integrated with nature and resilient infrastructure ties our healthy and productive places together into communities. However, in the face of climate change, that […]
Commentary With an historic investment in public spaces, Philadelphia’s Rebuild program is committed to equity in the process 13th March 2023 Jobs in the construction industry are family-sustaining careers that have proven to lift families out of intergenerational poverty. Historically speaking, those same opportunities have traditionally been reserved for white men. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics, in 2020 more than 60 percent of construction workers were white, with only 5 percent identifying as Black […]
Commentary 4 reasons to maintain natural water systems 16th February 2023 It has never been more important to understand the significance of preserving natural water systems, which are essential for sustaining the environment, providing economic benefits and defending nature. Here are four key reasons why we should take action to protect and preserve natural water systems. Protecting nature Preserving natural water systems is essential for protecting […]
Commentary Tuning into your community: Top reasons why your agency needs a podcast 8th February 2023 Podcasts are more popular than ever. In fact, in the United States, podcasts attract more than 100 million monthly listeners (according to demandsage.com). Are you tapping into the power of the pod to deliver important news on your city or county’s programs, projects, initiatives and community partnerships? If not, you may miss out on a […]
Commentary Engaging businesses to strengthen your community 3rd February 2023 A prosperous business community epitomizes effective city leadership and fuels economic growth. But to fully understand and address specific needs within your community, cities must engage with local stakeholders and businesses to cultivate and maintain a strong business ecosystem. Business engagement plays an essential role in a city’s retention of businesses, helping to foster organic […]
Commentary Four reasons why smart communities will take 2023 by storm 22nd December 2022 The last three years have been a rapid-fire series of challenges for local government leaders, from a devastating pandemic targeting the population’s most vulnerable to widespread economic downturn. After navigating this volatility, leaders are seeking out new and innovative strategies to future-ready their communities and reach their goals. One such strategy is the development of […]
Commentary Structuring solar RFPs for the best project outcome 8th December 2022 The RFP (request for proposal) process is a key mechanism for municipalities to adopt solar energy and meet their sustainability goals. It establishes project parameters and creates competition among solar developers to offer the best system design and pricing that checks all the boxes defined in the RFP. Since 2015, I have reviewed and responded […]
Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina 13th October 2020