The Municipal

11/28/2025

One hundred and thirty-seven years ago, under the watchful supervision of architect Edwin L. Walter and mayor Ezra Ripple, the city of Scranton, Pa., built a soaring, three-story Victorian Gothic city hall. It stood – and still stands – 70 feet tall, except for the tower, which rises 160 feet above the city of 76,000 people. And in March, residents received an amazing surprise with the reveal of the fully renovated Scranton City Hall, its tower lit up in green for St. Patrick’s Day.

Scranton City Hall is an example of Victorian Gothic design. To complete the renovation, Scranton leaned on the expertise of local companies.

11/28/2025

It is the place where four sisters became “Little Women” – a 12-acre property at 399 Lexington Road in Concord, Mass., which was written into history by Louisa May Alcott, one of the most beloved authors in American literature.

It is considered to be the birthplace of the nation by some. However, the Louisa May Alcott house is an unusual landmark.

11/26/2025

Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving! Thank you for being part of our Municipal family! 🦃

11/26/2025

A collaborative team from the University of Pennsylvania has been working on concrete fabrication to make it more energy efficient. It is made up of civil engineers, architects, designers, material scientists and building firms. The team has been working on the design using 3D printing. In order to also help reduce carbon emissions, the team turned to the use of diatomaceous earth to help absorb carbon emissions. While the product has been extremely productive on a small scale, it is now being constructed and tested on a larger scale so it can then have real-world applications, particularly in roadways and building.

To help reduce carbon emissions, a team from the University of Pennsylvania turned to the use of diatomaceous earth.

11/25/2025

The Lafayette, Tenn., Fire Department is putting new life-saving technology into the hands of its own firefighters, while also ensuring that two neighboring communities have access to the same critical tools. Through a recent state grant, the department purchased five new thermal imaging cameras, giving crews sharper vision in emergencies where every second counts.

The Lafayette, Tenn., Fire Department is putting new life-saving technology into the hands of its own firefighters.

11/21/2025

A Youth Citizen Police Academy summer camp run by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department just completed its third year. Participation numbers have grown steadily for the program, and this year saw a new record number of young people participating.

A Youth Citizen Police Academy summer camp run by the Jackson, Miss., Police Department just completed its third year.

11/19/2025

It’s a question that city governments ask themselves every day: How can we do more with less?

For Sarasota, Fla., the answer is its Smart City Initiative, which helps the diverse community achieve resilience and innovative technology.

11/18/2025

What is called Veterans Day on the calendar was once known as Armistice Day. In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

The city of Scranton, Pa., again announced $100,000 in grants that would be divided among eight veterans’ organizations.

11/18/2025

Following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, many cities across the United States took bold steps to rethink public safety. Durham, N.C., was among them. Since that watershed moment, the city has redefined how it responds to 911 calls, focusing on holistic and empathetic solutions for nonviolent crises.

Durham, N.C., was among many cities across the United States that took bold steps to rethink public safety.

11/14/2025

A beach restoration project in Destin, Fla., is designed to return the natural sugar sand beauty of this Gulf Coast city to residents and visitors.

Destin is a 7-1/2 square-mile municipality in Okaloosa County, Fla., about 52 miles east of Pensacola and 38 miles west of Panama City Beach.

11/10/2025

Top Ten: Best and Worst States for Military Retirees

As former members of the armed services look toward retirement, they do so through a unique lens. This Veterans Day, The Municipal considers the particular needs and situations, particularly in retirement, of those who have served their country. Earlier this … Continue reading →

11/07/2025

If the only thing a person thinks of when St. Louis, Mo., is mentioned is the 1904 World’s Fair and the movie and song about it, it’s time to take a deeper look.

The St. Louis metropolitan area – or “Mo” as many of the natives love to say – is the 19th largest in the U.S.