They are an important part of the infrastructure toolkit, but they can't replace tax-exempt debt.

Midland, North Carolina<br />Local leaders incorporated Midland, N.C. 16 years ago with a vision to cultivate the small town (pop. 3,073) into a desirable place to invest and live, while preserving the rural fabric of the community. The leaders hired professional staff to carry out their vision and this council/manager partnership has resulted in continuing success for the community, says Town…

Life, Well Run  published two seemingly very different Success Stories this month.  But both have a foundation in leadership and partnerships. In Roswell, Georgia, City Administrator Kay Love has made it a priority to recruit and keep top-notch staff at her organization.  And the programs have shown to decrease attrition, all the while having some fun.  Be sure to…

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma<br />By 2010, so many people had moved out of the core of Oklahoma City that neighborhoods were suffering from apathy, vacancy, and blight. The city assisted people with home repairs and made some small improvements, but these efforts were too scattered to have an impact. Recognizing the problem, the city council and the…

We are so excited about the success of the first Life, Well Run photo contest that we decided to share some of the contestant entries here. Take a look at the future of local government and feel the energy and passion they have for the profession. Some contestants even submitted more than one photo/project. We…