Insights

The landscape of public communication has never been more difficult to navigate. The proliferation of sophisticated mis- and disinformation campaigns, amplified by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has blurred the lines between fact and fiction. This challenge is further compounded by our normalization of deceit, which fosters widespread cynicism and erodes institutional trust.

What can help a local government or utility obtain the consulting assistance it wants and needs, while also ensuring it casts a wide net to include more vendors? We have seen the “good, the bad, and the ugly” in public sector RFPs and have some tips to help you get the assistance you need in the most efficient and effective manner. 

One hundred percent of utility leaders are using AI. The question is no longer “if” but “how” and “where.” In September and October 2025, we sat down with leaders from 18 utilities, from Tucson to Charlotte, and Denver to Cincinnati, to understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping one of America’s most critical infrastructure sectors.

In an era of rapid change and evolving public expectations, local government leaders gathered at the 2025 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference not just to share challenges but to forge solutions. The event provided a clear directive: to build trust and navigate complexity in communities, local governments must innovate their approaches to community engagement, technology, and infrastructure. This recap provides valuable, actionable insights for officials dedicated to cultivating resilient and thriving communities.  

Smart meter deployment represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the electric utility sector over the last two decades. Adoption rates have reached critical mass, and the technology is now fundamentally reshaping the utility landscape.

From water distribution and wastewater collection to parks or street maintenance, the frontline supervisor is critical to establishing culture, planning work, and training staff. However, employees in these positions are often not provided with the necessary training to be effective in this critical and unique supervisory role.  

A strategic plan is your organization's roadmap to the future – a powerful vision for growth, innovation, and impact. But too often, these meticulously crafted documents end up gathering dust.

How do you truly build a thriving organization? For any utility or local government, success hinges on its people. Principal Consultant, Jackie Jarrell, emphasizes that by valuing and developing your workforce, you cultivate cohesive, high-performing teams capable of achieving any goal.

The rapid proliferation of data centers, driven by AI and cloud computing advancements, presents significant opportunities and complex challenges for water utilities. These facilities often consume millions of gallons of water daily and can strain existing resources and infrastructure, necessitating thoughtful and equitable pricing strategies for water.