Mighty Municipalities

Topics: MIT AI Risk Initiative - Recent AI Data Incidents: 12/2025: ChatGPT misuse by a contractor leads to data exposure in Housing Program   1/2026: Moltbook database revealed private conversations   3/2026: Meta exposes collected data to unauthorized employees   Steps You Can Take: Train Your Employees on the Risks of AI Create an approved software list Create a Usage Policy Create an Incident...

Topics:' Heat mitigation strategies for small municipalities Community-based cooling solutions and facilities Infrastructure improvements for heat reduction Grant opportunities for heat resilience projects Role of community organizations and local government in heat safety Takeaways Identify natural cool zones and existing infrastructure to maximize resources. Engage community organizations and re...

Topics: This episode explores how small municipalities can enhance community well-being through nature-based programs like 'Nature at Work'. Guests discuss the benefits, implementation strategies, and funding opportunities for green initiatives that improve employee health, community engagement, and local tourism. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mighty Municipalities 00:58 Workplace Health and Hap...

Topics: Karl & Mark talk about food insecurity and what municipalities can do to help.   We interview Tim Dargan, the Town Administrator of Lamar, SC, population 832, about the food giveaway program they've been running in cooperation with local organizations for over five years and their lessons learned.  Numbers: 13% nationally face food insecurity 15.9% in rural communities  86% of counties...

Topics: Drought Management  Currently in Moderate Drought in SC:  Stage 1 Drought Declared; City of Camden Urges Voluntary Water Conservation - Experience Camden, South Carolina   Statewide Moderate Drought  http://www.scdrought.com/index.html   Next state commission meeting 4.30  What Cities can do during a drought, by state NC – Municipalities can operate autonomously  GA – Governed by state  Mu...

Topics : Business Licensing  What it is by state  GA – Occupational Tax – only on businesses with physical presence.  NC – Business registration – flat with max set by state  SC – Business License  Revenue versus Regulation  Top Questions  Insurance Agencies vs Brokers  Peddlers - Forest Acres Peddlers Ordinance Roadside Food (DHEC) Entrepreneurial Options  Prepared Food/Popcorn/Coffee/Sno-cones (...

In this episode Mark Partin and Karl McCollester explore innovative recruitment packages by municipalities, focusing on attracting remote workers and leveraging natural resources. We discuss examples from West Virginia, Folly Beach, SC, Cheraw, SC, and McPherson, KS, highlighting strategies that don't rely solely on financial incentives but also community engagement and quality of life improvement...

Topic : In this episode, Karl McCollester and Mark Partin explore innovative small-town transportation projects, including street trials, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and grant opportunities to enhance community infrastructure. Carrboro: 21,900  – Weekend Road closure in April  https://chapelboro.com/news/business/carrboros-e-weaver-street-to-close-to-vehicles-every-weekend-in-april-temporary-...

Topic: This episode features John Macloskey, the codes enforcement director of the City of Sumter, SC, discussing the impact of demolition programs on small municipalities, including strategies, challenges, and future goals. Learn how community efforts are transforming neighborhoods and the importance of effective code enforcement. John Macloskey is the Codes Enforcement Director at the City of Su...

Summary In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss various initiatives and programs that small municipalities are implementing to enhance community living. They explore a rental inspection pilot program in Springfield, the opening of a new library in Aberdeen, public art projects in South Carolina, and the impact of art festivals on local economies. Th...

Topics: In this episode of Mighty Municipalities, hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin discuss the rapid population growth in South Carolina and its implications for small municipalities in the state. They explore the challenges of managing this growth, including infrastructure demands and legislative responses. Resource and Resiliency Commission: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/b...

Summary In the inaugural episode of "Mighty Municipalities," hosts Karl McCollester and Mark Partin delve into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small municipalities. They emphasize the importance of celebrating the innovative solutions that smaller communities implement, often overlooked in favor of larger cities. The conversation highlights the significance of public-private partn...