A sister publication of Public Works recently compiled these lists based on the number of housing permits issued last year.

Whether or not permitting falls under your department's list of responsibilities, you've undoubtedly been doing even more with much less as consumers stop consuming and general revenues plummet accordingly. Add a stimulus project or two to your list of things to do, and what have you got (in addition to your usual juggling act)? The perfect opportunity to show taxpayers how well your team manages their hard-earned dollars.

I'm referring to the image-building opportunity inherent in National Public Works Week May 17 - 23, instituted in 1960 by the American Public Works Association. With infrastructure so integral to the Obama administration's plan for jump-starting the economy, there's no better time to generate goodwill for your hard-working organization. The association's how-to guide will get you started if you haven't held an open house or other event.

If you're an old pro and think your department does something out of the ordinary, e-mail vsicaras@hanleywood.com by the end of the week. We're going to highlight the most unusual example/s of community-outreach in our May issue.

Don't forget: vsicaras@hanleywood.com.